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Ashton Jeanty's rushing yards total was coming in at 128.5 for Tuesday's quarterfinal playoff game against Penn State.
Boise State and Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty had a bye into the semifinals and earned a return trip to the Fiesta Bowl, where the Broncos broke onto the national scene with a memorable win in 2007.
With 2,497 rushing yards (to go along with 29 touchdowns), Jeanty, who’s averaging 192 yards per game, needs 132 yards against the Nittany Lions to topple Barry Sanders’ 36-year-old mark. And Sanders is pulling for him to do it.
“That was some year,” Sanders recently posted on X about his NCAA record-breaking season. “But let's root for Ashton Jeanty to get it done in his bowl game.”
Key Matchup
Penn State’s defense against Jeanty. The Nittany Lions have a stout defense, ranking in the top 10 nationally in total (fourth), scoring (sixth) and against the run (seventh). But Penn State hasn’t faced anyone like Jeanty. Actually, no one has. The speedy, powerful junior rushed for 2,497 yards this year — more than 115 FBS teams — and is 132 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season record that’s stood since 1988. Penn State will have to make sure to wrap up on tackles; Jeanty set an NCAA record by forcing 143 missed tackles and ran for 1,889 yards after contact.
Line Analysis and Betting Action
Action has been balanced with the line moving from Penn State -10.5 to -11. Sagarin gives us a number of 10.62, ensuring this line is on the money.
Comparables
- Clemson +10.5 to +12 Texas (Texas 11.72 - Underlay to On The Money). - Favorite covers.
- Northwestern +10.5 to +12 Washington (Washington 11.49 On The Money) - Favorite covers.
Our Pick
Penn State -11
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