By james art 
No. 15 The Boise State Broncos are taking care of business in the Mountain West Conference and in doing so have virtually secured a spot in the College Football Playoff field. But it all led to some unintended consequences for arguably their best player, running back Ashton Janty.
The 20-year-old Heisman Trophy contender has had a blisteringly hot start to the season, outpacing the great Barry Sanders for several weeks as he chases his record of 1,988 single-season carries (2,628 yards).
However, Jeanty’s pace has slowed significantly in recent weeks, but through no fault of his own abilities. He rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-24 demolition of San Diego State on Friday night, but now trails Sander’s eight-game total with 166 yards.
Can Ashton Janty catch Barry Sanders’ all-time single-season record? đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/2bd2gIiwpY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 2, 2024
Friday was Jeanty’s eighth straight 100-yard game this season, a school record. But despite that accomplishment, he may still fall short of winning the Heisman because his team hasn’t let him off the leash at all this year, and that’s a sad and scary thought.
Boise State has outscored its opponents 366-205 this season. The Broncos’ only game to end within one score was also their only loss of the year: 37-34 against Oregon.
In most of the Broncos’ games this season, Jeanty hasn’t played the second half, and it hasn’t been because he’s been injured or tired. Head coach Spencer Danielson had just benched him when victory became all but assured.
Jeanty’s inability to rack up more scoring and stats has hindered his chances of winning the Heisman, but incredibly, he’s still among the favorites.
Imagine if Boise State threw athleticism and postseason ambitions aside to let Janty go free. Sanders’ record wouldn’t stand a chance, and guys like Melvin Gordon III would be as jealous as anyone. But I’m sure Jeanty would trade the Heisman Trophy and NCAA record for hitting in a national championship 10/10 times.