Boise State star running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Ashton Giunty had a strong performance in Friday night's Mountain West Championship Game, helping the Broncos earn a ticket to the College Football Playoff. Contributed.
But his first thought wasn't how another 200-plus yard game would improve his Heisman chances. That was his faith.
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Giunty, 2, is interviewed by FOX Sports reporter Allison Williams after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium on December 6, 2024. . (Brian Rosness-Imagine Images)
“First of all, I have to thank God,” Giunty told FOX Sports in an on-field interview after the 21-7 win over UNLV.
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“The way he is working through this team and blessing us, God be upon us.”
Giunty, who acknowledged Friday's title game will be his last game at Boise State before entering next year's NFL Draft, spoke candidly about his faith and the role it has played in his life. In an interview earlier this season, Jeanty talked about the “ultimate change” he experienced and how his faith brought about that change.
“I like to say I’m a Christian who cleverly disguised himself as an All-American running back,” he said at the time. “I learned that God has given me an amazing talent that I have been able to use to accomplish many great things, but at the same time not lose myself in it. I was able to understand that my identity is in Christ.”
Boise State running back Ashton Giunty, 2, hits a UNLV defensive lineman while running during the first half of a Mountain West Championship NCAA college football game on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Boise. Pushing away the arm of 98-year-old Tatoo Martinson. Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Connor)
First expanded CFP slot begins to take shape as Boise State wins Mountain West Championship
Giunty ran for 209 yards and a 75-yard touchdown, increasing his total to 2,497 yards and 132 yards shy of the FBS all-time record. In the title game, he ran for over 200 yards in his sixth game of the season.
But for Gentil, Friday's victory was always a collective effort.
“This means everything. This is everything we've worked for. And to come here and accomplish that, you have to give credit to the offense, defense and special teams team that came together tonight.
“It's amazing, it's a dream come true,” he continued. “I love this team. I love the way we came together. Our bond and love is stronger than anything.”
Boise State running back Ashton Giunty, 2, and strong-armed UNLV defensive back run during the first half of the Mountain West Championship NCAA college football game on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. Jet Erad (9 years old). (AP Photo/Steve Connor)
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Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but the Buffaloes have been eliminated from the Big 12 championship game and will not play in the playoffs. Voting is expected to take place long before the CFP begins, but Boise State coach Spencer Danielson believes Giunty has already received the votes.
“When it comes to the Heisman, I ask every voter to just watch the film and look at the statistics,” Danielson said. “It's going to prove he's the best football player in this country. … If you're a Heisman candidate, you should play in the championship game. Seeing what they did speaks volumes.” ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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