Jeanty’s record run secures Boise State’s CFP spot
Ashton Jeanty delivered a performance for the ages, rushing for 209 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 10 Boise State to a 21-7 victory over No. 19 UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game on Friday night.
With the win, Boise State secured its second straight conference title and a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), cementing the Broncos’ place among the nation’s elite.
Jeanty’s 75-yard touchdown in the second quarter was his fifth scoring run of 70+ yards this season. This tied LaDainian Tomlinson’s FBS record for the most in a single season. Jeanty now has 2,497 rushing yards, moving past Marcus Allen for fourth on the all-time FBS season rushing list. He needs 131 yards to surpass Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards set in 1988.
The performance also marked Jeanty’s sixth 200-yard game of the season. He became Boise State’s all-time career rushing leader, overtaking Cedric Minter’s 4,550 yards set from 1977 to 1980.
“I hope that my decision sheds a light to college football players at a bunch of different schools,” Jeanty shared with CBS Sports earlier this year.
“That’s what I wanted was to set an example and show people that you can be different.”
Boise State (12-1, No. 10 CFP) displayed a balanced offense led by quarterback Maddux Madsen, who threw for 158 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a 14-yard score. The Broncos established a commanding 21-0 lead by halftime, effectively sealing the game.
Madsen’s precise 22-yard touchdown pass to Latrell Caples in the first quarter set the tone, and his mobility kept the UNLV defense on edge.
Jeanty’s 75-yard dash just before the break was the knockout blow, as he evaded multiple defenders and sprinted untouched down the sideline. UNLV’s defense, which entered the game ranked 10th nationally against the run, had no answers for Jeanty’s relentless ground game.
UNLV (10-3, No. 20 CFP) struggled to find its offensive rhythm against Boise State’s stout defense. The Rebels, averaging 38.7 points per game, were held to a season-low seven points. Hajj-Malik Williams managed 110 passing yards but was unable to spark a comeback.
Their lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter, a 31-yard burst from Greg Burrell on fourth-and-1.
Despite the loss, UNLV still has an opportunity to match its program record for wins, set by the 1984 team led by Randall Cunningham, with its upcoming bowl game.
Jeanty’s season has sparked debate about his place in the Heisman Trophy conversation. With six 200-yard games this season, he has matched the most by any FBS player since 1996. Though Colorado’s Travis Hunter remains the Heisman favorite, Jeanty’s record-breaking campaign has made a compelling case.
Hunter’s contributions on both offense and defense are historic. However, Jeanty’s dominance on the ground has been pivotal to Boise State’s success. The Broncos were more than just chasing records. They’re now firmly in the playoff conversation, thanks in large part to Jeanty’s consistency and game-changing ability.
Read More: College Football Playoff projections after week 14
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