Penn State’s James Franklin has a tough job of restricting Boise State’s beating heart, Ashton Jeanty, by hook or by crook. If they give room to Jeanty, the quarterfinal will slip out of their hand without fail. Boise State’s 5-foot-9, 215-pound running back will be a rare threat as he matches none Penn State has played this season. Jeanty’s fiery 2,497 rushing yards and a solid Heisman-worthy resume made Franklin rethink his defensive strategy that worked throughout the season. They have to craft some special plan to stop Jeanty, or it’ll be a bust. What, rather, who can fit the plan?

Jeanty turned out to be a beast in his third year with the Broncos. The wonder kid has rushed for 2,497 yards, fourth in FBS single-season history, and a total that outstripped 115 FBS teams this season. He bagged more rushing touchdowns (29) than 118 FBS teams and took the team to an unprecedented high in all-purpose yards (2,613), first downs (121), and points (180). But no worries, Franklin has an ace in the hole.

“The key is here you’re riding a high defensively. Abdul Carter is off the edge. This linebacker group is actually coming off what I would call its best game through 14 total matchups in 2024. So, can you carry that against this enormous test? Not only are you trying to keep Jeanty away from the all-time single-season record but you’re trying to keep Boise State looking for new options as the game gets later. If you have the lead here and they can’t get Jeanty rolling the way they want to, it takes them out of their comfort zone,” Tyler Donohue revealed in an eye-opening SWOT analysis.

Abdul Carter, Penn State’s All-American defensive end, has had a remarkable season and reached the trail for the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Awards for being both the best offensive and defensive lineman. He couldn’t win any of these, but the prodigy seems to be poised in his ability to flip the script for Penn State at any given time.

”Not just the best defensive player. I think I’m the best player in general,” Carter said in a Zoom call with media Tuesday. This big dog energy, coupled with the pivotal Skillset, might really be a game changer in the loading Fiesta bowl. You don’t have to believe our words. Just look at his stats this season.

63 tackles (40 solo ones), 11 sacks and 2 fumbles. Considering how valuable defensive linemen are in the NFL, Carter has a bright future ahead of him. Some NFL scouts have deemed him the next Micah Parsons, considering his prowess as an edge rusher.

In his CFP debut against SMU in the first round, Carter made SMU O-line have a bad day in office. Two tackles for loss, one loss, five QB pressures. This was despite that Carter was held all game.

On the other hand, Jeanty will also be in his full capacity against the Nittany Lions, as he has healed from his long-standing injury.

Ashton Jeanty will bring out his full-blown energy against Penn State

Franklin had a detailed study of how much harm Jeanty could inflict on his storied defense. His ability to make people miss, break tackles, and the frequent yards after the contract has been mesmerizingly dangerous. But what is even more dangerous is a 100 per cent fit Jeanty. Nittany Lions will face hard luck in getting him totally free-flowing after two minor injuries.

Jeanty caught the crowd off guard with a game-winning TD in the 4th quarter against UNLV. But he hurt his left arm in the process. In the letter games, he was seen playing with a brace. It was challenging, but somehow, Jeanty carved his way to a win. He received a leg injury against Wyoming. But the good news is our star is doing completely fine now.

 After weeks of medical supervision, the Running Back thankfully has it in place now. ”That’s, you now, that’s completely you know, healed up so glad that it is, so I can be closer to 100%,” Jeanty set the extra alarm for James Franklin and Penn State.

Can Abdul Carter become the unexpected knight in armor and avoid an inevitable loss?