The Penn State Nittany Lions faced the Boise State Broncos in the CFP quarterfinals and won 31-14. Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke to reporters after the game, sharing his thoughts on the team’s Fiesta Bowl victory.
Naturally, he praised his players for their superb performance in one of the school’s most important games in recent memory. However, Franklin also took the time to acknowledge a player from the opposing team, Boise State Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty.
Nittany Lions Head Coach James Franklin Praises on Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty
Boise State entered the Fiesta Bowl with a 12-1 record. Jeanty, the best running back in college football, was the powerhouse fueling their success, carrying his team into the playoffs, and almost earning the Heisman Trophy in the process.
Jeanty finished just behind Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter in the voting, although many fans still insist that the Heisman should have gone to the running back. Jeanty generated 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024 (including the bowl game).
James Franklin has high praise for Ashton Jeanty – and says his own team is probably tired of hearing it 😂 pic.twitter.com/uFyXDw9nuz
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 1, 2025
Penn State head coach James Franklin recognized the danger Jeanty posed to his team and successfully navigated the threat of the Broncos’ ground game. While addressing reporters, Franklin spoke of his admiration for the running back.
“We talked a lot, these guys are sick of me talking about their running back Ashton Jeanty,” Franklin said. “Ton of respect for him and what he’s done in his entire career is special. But at the end of the day, we played a complete game: offense, defense, and special teams, complementary football … did some special things tonight.”
James Franklin Credits Penn State’s Defense for Keeping Ashton Jeanty in Check
Against Penn State, Jeanty rushed for only 104 yards on 30 carries and failed to score a touchdown, marking his lowest rushing total of the season and the second game without hitting paydirt.
Franklin highlighted the impact that Penn State’s defense had on the game and took the opportunity to heap more praise on Jeanty, adding that even his defense has gained “a ton of respect” for the Heisman finalist after their clash.
“We got the point across about the respect that we have for that young man and the type of running back he is,” Franklin said. “Even today, I think our defense would say they have a ton of respect for him and how many tackles he was able to break and how strong he is and the contact balance. He’s an impressive guy.
“But we’re pretty good on defense. Thought or D-line did a really good job of being disruptive and getting in the backfield. I thought we did a really good job gang-tackling. There were a few times where we didn’t wrap like we should have. But for the most part, our defense played lights out.”
Franklin’s Nittany Lions will play Notre Dame on Jan. 9 in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
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