Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty delivered a record-breaking performance to help the Broncos fend off a determined upset bid by Georgia Southern, securing a 56-45 road victory in their season opener on Saturday. Jeanty, who entered the season as a preseason All-American and the reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for a school-record 267 yards and six touchdowns, etching his name in the Boise State history books.
The electrifying performance began early, with Jeanty breaking free for a career-long 77-yard touchdown run on his second carry of the game. This explosive start set the tone for a night where he averaged an astonishing 13.4 yards per carry on 20 attempts, continuously gashing the Georgia Southern defense. Jeanty’s most crucial run came in the fourth quarter when he raced 75 yards for a touchdown, answering Georgia Southern’s go-ahead score and helping Boise State regain momentum.
Jeanty’s six-touchdown effort marked the first time an FBS player achieved such a feat since Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda scored six against Virginia Tech in 2022. His remarkable performance not only powered Boise State to victory but also solidified his status as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. The Broncos had launched a Heisman campaign for Jeanty earlier in the week, and he wasted no time embracing the spotlight, striking a Heisman pose in the end zone after his first touchdown of the year.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions for Boise State fans. The Broncos built a commanding 28-9 lead late in the second quarter, seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory. However, Georgia Southern responded with a furious rally, scoring four consecutive touchdowns to take a 37-36 lead early in the fourth quarter.
With the pressure mounting, Jeanty stepped up once again, breaking away for his 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of Boise State’s ensuing possession. His score swung the momentum back in Boise State’s favor, and the Broncos capitalized with two more fourth-quarter touchdowns, both by true freshman running back Sire Gaines. Gaines, making his collegiate debut, tallied 154 total yards, showcasing the depth and talent in Boise State’s backfield.
As the reigning Mountain West champions, Boise State entered the season as a top contender for the Group of 5 spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos were the highest-ranked G5 team in the preseason AP poll, and Jeanty’s record-setting performance only strengthens their case as a team to watch this season.
With this thrilling victory in the books, Boise State will look to build on its momentum as it continues its pursuit of another Mountain West title and a potential playoff berth. Meanwhile, Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman campaign is off to a roaring start, with his record-breaking night setting the stage for what could be a historic season.
