Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty finished second in the Heisman ceremony, just 214 points behind Travis Hunter. He helped his team to third place in the playoff rankings with record numbers as a running back. The No. 2 RB carried the ball 344 times and gained 2,497 yards, an average of 7.3 yards per carry. Jeanty reached the end zone 29 times, his best run being a 77-yard run.

Boise State advanced directly to the quarterfinals and will now play Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31st. Penn State coach James Franklin offered some glowing compliments in a press conference before the Fiesta Bowl. He claimed that Jeanty was one of the best RBs in college football history, and not just this season.

However, fans are divided over the coach’s comment, with some in favor of repeating his narrative while others say the complete opposite.

Some fans still support the Boise State RB as the true Heisman winner:

“Jeanty was robbed by the Heisman Committee. #RealHeisman,” one fan said.

“But still, the committee gave the Heisman to a guy because the only “coach” at a major lets a family friend play both ways. This kid wouldn’t last half an hour in the SEC trying to play suicide ball. Besides… No other “coach” in the country would allow this.” Another commented.

Some fans claim that the coach is creating the premise for media coverage after Penn State stops Boise State in the upcoming game, while others simply claim that the coach is creating an excuse for impending disappointment.

“They understand Franklin is saying that, so if they take out Jeanty his defense will look even better. Franklin knows his D-line and LBs are no match for Boise OL. Don’t think for a second that this comment is anything other than himself.” Portion.” one fan tweeted.

“He’s covering his tracks in case he screws up this game,” another claimed.

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“Definitely one of the best defensive lines” Ashton Jeanty talks about Penn State’s D-line

Penn State’s defensive line was crucial to the team’s success in the 2024 season. Defensive end Abdul Carter led the unit with 45 pressures and 10 sacks, earning him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Fellow defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton was a key contributor, leading the team with eight quarterback hurries and four sacks. In the College Football Playoff win over SMU, the defensive line recorded 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and seven pressures, giving SMU 58 rushing yards and an average of 1.6 yards per carry.

Ashton Jeanty had some compliments about Penn State’s D line in conference before the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 27.

“It’s definitely one of the best defenses. As a collective unit, they are all great and make each other look good. Not just the defensive line, but the entire front seven. They’ve got Linebacker King, a big guy, 6’1″, 248, and Abdul Carter, number 11, on the edge – he’s a great player. They all work together as a great front seven, and we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us have,” said Jeanty (14:07).

The consistent performance was crucial in maintaining Penn State’s defensive strength throughout the season.