Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has made a significant mark this season, distinguishing himself as one of the premier running backs in college football, backed by impressive statistics and accomplishments. Jeanty’s relentless performance has been pivotal for the Broncos, propelling them to an impressive 12-1 record and securing the third seed in the College Football Playoff.
On New Year’s Eve, while Jeanty is sidelined during the Fiesta Bowl against sixth-seeded Penn State, he will be observing a noteworthy running back duo on the opposing team. The Nittany Lions’ Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen consider themselves among the best in collegiate football. Singleton confidently stated, “We always say we’re the best backfield in the nation. We stand on it.”
This confidence is accompanied by their remarkable performance, which recently saw them combine for 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a decisive 38-10 victory over SMU to kick off their playoff campaign. Allen showcased his speed with a 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, pushing the Nittany Lions to a 21-0 lead, while his 4-yard score in the fourth quarter confirmed their dominance and got fans excited about a trip to Arizona.
Singleton contributed to the triumph with a powerful 1-yard touchdown, demonstrating his physicality as he crashed into a Mustang defender after crossing into the end zone. Upon returning to the sideline, he shared a triumphant moment with head coach James Franklin, highlighted by a spirited conversation that included some colorful language about his playing style. “I’m trying to be a more physical runner, run through someone when the extra man is there,” Singleton noted.
Singleton and Allen’s running approach follows the guidance of their running back coach, JaJuan Seider, who emphasizes leaving an extra defender for them to overcome on each play. This strategy has proven effective, as they have found success throughout the season when given the opportunity to run with the ball.
During their matchup against SMU, which ranked among the top 10 nationally against the run, the Nittany Lions initially faced some challenges. However, after securing quick turnovers through interceptions returned for touchdowns, Penn State’s running backs took control, showcasing their strength and ability to finish plays.
Despite this impressive output, the stats reveal Jeanty’s exceptional season, as Singleton and Allen’s combined rushing total of 1,820 yards over 14 games falls significantly short of Jeanty’s individual tally of 2,497 yards as a Heisman runner-up. Jeanty has consistently found ways to gain yards against various opponents, but he will encounter a formidable test against the stout Penn State defense, which recently showcased its prowess by limiting SMU to just 253 total yards.
Dvon J. Thomas, a senior defensive tackle for Penn State, expressed confidence in their defensive capabilities, stating, “I truly believe we are the best defense in the country by far.” Stopping Jeanty, who has not rushed for fewer than 127 yards in any game this season, will be crucial for the Nittany Lions to validate that claim on a grand stage.
Additionally, this showdown provides an opportunity for the Nittany Lions’ running backs to illustrate that sometimes the effectiveness of a running game is amplified with two strong players sharing the load.