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Ashton Jeanty Needs 35 Yards to Break Record as Boise State Trails Penn State 17-14 in Fiesta Bowl

Jan 1, 2025, 01:21 AM

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State's star running back, is on the cusp of breaking Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record as the Broncos face Penn State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Fiesta Bowl. Jeanty entered the game with 2,497 rushing yards, needing 131 yards to surpass Sanders' record. However, Penn State's defense has held Jeanty in check, forcing a fumble in the first quarter and limiting him to 39 rushing yards on 13 carries in the first half. By the end of the third quarter, Jeanty had accumulated 59 yards on 20 carries. Despite Jeanty's struggles, Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen stepped up, completing 17 of 21 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown by the third quarter, keeping the Broncos within striking distance as Penn State led 17-14. Jeanty broke a 26-yard run in the third quarter, bringing his total to 85 yards on 21 carries and surpassing Melvin Gordon for second place on the FBS single-season rushing list. He now needs just 35 more yards to surpass Sanders. Barry Sanders himself expressed support for Jeanty prior to the game, wishing him luck in breaking the record.