Expanded Playoff gave Ashton Jeanty a stage, and Boise State RB delivered season to remember

Key Takeaways:

• Ashton Jeanty’s exceptional performance led Boise State to new heights.
• The expanded College Football Playoff amplified Jeanty’s visibility.
• Jeanty finished the season with 2,601 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
• Boise State’s CFP journey ended with a loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl.
• Jeanty is projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

A Season to Remember

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s star running back, delivered one of the most memorable performances in college football during the 2024 season. His electrifying plays and relentless drive not only captivated fans but also significantly elevated the Broncos’ status on the national stage.

Highlight Reel Moments

Ask anyone from the Boise State community about their favorite Jeanty moment, and you’ll get a myriad of responses. Head coach Spencer Danielson reflected, “Every game, whichever one he hit was my new favorite.”

From his slaloming, 26-yard cut-back touchdown against Georgia Southern, where he scored six touchdowns in the season opener, to the breathtaking 70-yard sprint against Oregon, Jeanty consistently delivered awe-inspiring performances. His personal favorite? A 64-yard touchdown against Washington State, where he seemed to bounce off all eleven defenders. “It showed my agility, my power, my speed—all the things that make a good running back,” Jeanty said.

Chasing Records and Making History

By the season’s end, Jeanty amassed 2,601 rushing yards—the second-most all-time—falling just 27 yards short of Barry Sanders’ legendary record set in 1988. With 30 total touchdowns, he became the first unanimous All-American in Boise State history. Though he narrowly missed winning the Heisman Trophy to Colorado’s Travis Hunter, his impact was undeniable.

Boise State’s Playoff Journey

The Broncos, benefiting from the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, secured the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye. The expanded playoff provided a grander stage for Jeanty and his teammates. However, their journey concluded with a 31-14 loss to No. 6 Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Penn State’s defense managed to contain Jeanty like no other team had, holding him to a season-low 104 rushing yards on 30 carries. “They have a great D-line, front seven,” Jeanty acknowledged. “We didn’t play our best. I didn’t take care of the ball. So that’s why we weren’t able to get the job done.”

The Impact of Playoff Expansion

Despite the loss, the expanded playoff system amplified Boise State’s presence in the national conversation. It showcased talents like Jeanty, who might have otherwise been overlooked in the previous four-team format. The heightened attention not only celebrated his achievements but also sparked discussions about the College Football Playoff’s seeding processes and future adjustments.

Looking Ahead

Ashton Jeanty’s legacy at Boise State is firmly established. The community has embraced him as a fan favorite, and his performances have left an indelible mark on the program. Looking forward, Jeanty is a sure-fire first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, potentially going as high as the top ten.

A Lasting Impression

While the season didn’t culminate in a Heisman Trophy or a CFP championship, Jeanty’s remarkable journey exemplifies how the expanded playoff system has enriched college football. “A special player significantly raised the level of his team, making the most of every eyeball and opportunity that came with it,” the story noted. His season is one that college football won’t soon forget.