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James Franklin on facing Ashton Jeanty in Fiesta Bowl: 'He's a beast'

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels12/30/24ChandlerVessels
ashton jeanty (3)
Brian Losness-Imagn Images

James Franklin knows that Penn State hasn’t seen a running back this year that compares to Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State star is closing in on the single-season rushing record with the Broncos and Nittany Lions set to play in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve.

Speaking ahead of that Fiesta Bowl matchup, Franklin had high praise for what Jeanty brings to the table.

“He’s a beast,” Franklin said. “He’s a beast in terms of his production on the field but then also his durability. From the interviews I’ve seen, he’s also a guy that kind of understands how to be a pro already at this point in terms of taking care of his body, rest and recovery and treatment and doing all the things necessary.

“I also think the way he’s built and his running style helps with that as well. Not too many people are able to get clean shots on him. All of it is super impressive, but I think the stat that I mentioned earlier, the most impressive stat, is yards after contact. He’s got more yards after contact than most of the elite backs in college football have in general.”

Jeanty has rushed for 2,497 yards so far this season and needs just 132 more to pass Barry Sanders for the record. He is averaging 192.1 yards per game with 1,899 of those yards coming after contact and has scored 30 total touchdowns.

Still, Jeanty has yet to face a defense that is as adept at stopping the run as Penn State. The Nittany Lions rank seventh in the country with just 100.4 rushing yards allowed per game and will do everything in their power to slow down the running back.

Ashton Jeanty also was named a Heisman finalist, where he finished second in the voting. He is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and Penn State will definitely have its hands full as it look to punch its ticket to the semifinals.

That said, the defense has faced other talented backs this season and slowed them down, but this is perhaps the biggest test yet for both sides. Kickoff between Penn State and Boise State is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve.