Ashton Jeanty delivered a record-breaking performance in Boise State's dominant win, cementing his status as a Heisman contender

CNN
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Standout running back Ashton Jeanty had another dominant performance in Boise State's 56-24 win over San Diego State on Friday night.

Jeanty rushed for 149 yards on 31 carries and scored two touchdowns as he continues to increase his numbers in what has been an incredibly productive season so far. He also contributed to the one-sided victory with two balls for 31 yards.

The 20-year-old broke a program record in the process by becoming the first Broncos player to gain more than 100 yards on the ground in eight straight games. This also ties him with Donnel Pumphrey – who accomplished the same feat for San Diego State in 2015 – for the second-longest streak in the Mountain West Story.

Jeanty has accumulated 1,525 yards this season and is averaging 8 yards per carry.

San Diego State appeared to base its defensive game plan on shutting down Jeanty and filling the box to contain Boise State's running game. It was initially effective in stopping the star running back, as Jeanty got off to a slow start, rushing for just 37 yards on 15 carries.

However, the Aztecs' insistence on stifling the run left gaps in the passing game that Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen was only too happy to exploit. He finished the game with 307 passing yards, four touchdowns and 24 completions, all career highs per team.

Jeanty got going in the second half, rushing for 112 yards on his next 16 carries. His two scores brought him 20 touchdowns this season.

The win moves Boise State to 7-1 overall on the season, 4-0 in Mountain West play. The Broncos' only loss came against Oregon earlier this year. Meanwhile, San Diego State falls to 3-4 after the loss.

Jeanty has become a familiar sight this season playing defense on the bright blue turf of Albertsons Stadium in Boise, which has made him a solid contender for the Heisman Trophy, given to the most outstanding player in college football is awarded.

A running back hasn't won the award since the University of Alabama was great and four-time NFL Pro Bowler Derrick Henry won it in 2015.

Jeanty's competition includes Colorado's Travis Hunter, whose ability to play on both sides of the ball as both a wide receiver and defensive back has made him one of the most unique players in football.

Miami and Oregon quarterbacks Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel are also in the running. QBs have dominated the award in recent years – eight of the last ten winners have been signal callers.