3 Penn State defenders that could give Ashton Jeanty hard time in Fiesta Bowl ft. Abdul Carter
Penn State players are aware of Ashton Jeanty’s incredible ability to make defenders miss. However, the Nittany Lions are determined not to become his next highlight reel when they face Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.
Stopping Jeanty, who finished as the runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting, is no small feat. The Broncos star has amassed a nation-leading 2,497 rushing yards on 344 carries and scored an impressive 30 touchdowns this season. Penn State’s defense, though, has some key playmakers who are up to the challenge.
“He’s a beast in terms of his production on the field, but then also his durability,” Penn State head coach James Franklin remarked.
“There’s not too many people that 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 the yards after contact.”
Jeanty’s yards after contact (1,889) this season outshines the total rushing yards of every FBS back since Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard led the NCAA with 2,094 rushing yards in 2019. Additionally, he set an NCAA record by forcing 143 missed tackles.
Three key Penn State defenders
#1 Abdul Carter, Linebacker
Franklin sees a potential answer to Jeanty in linebacker Abdul Carter, who dominated against SMU in the College Football Playoff first round last weekend.
“Just like we’re spending time talking about their running back, they’re spending time talking about our defensive end and playmaker Abdul Carter,” Franklin said. “That’ll be an interesting matchup, that’ll be an interesting chess game.”
Carter was a unanimous All-American this season and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and make open-field tackles makes him a critical piece in Penn State’s game plan.
His speed, athleticism and high football IQ will be essential in containing Jeanty’s explosive runs.
#2 Zane Durant, Defensive Tackle
Zane Durant’s presence on the defensive line will be key in limiting Jeanty’s production. The defensive tackle has been solid all season, recording 19 solo tackles and three sacks. Durant’s ability to clog running lanes and apply pressure up the middle could disrupt Boise State’s offensive rhythm.
Durant’s strength and quickness allow him to take on multiple blockers, by neutralizing interior gaps, Durant can force Jeanty to bounce runs outside, where Penn State’s linebackers can clean up.
#3 Dani Dennis-Sutton, Defensive End
Dani Dennis-Sutton is another defender who could pose a challenge to Jeanty. With 17 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble this season, Dennis-Sutton has proven to be a disruptive force on the edge.
His quick hands and upper-body strength make him a tough matchup for offensive tackles. Dennis-Sutton’s ability to collapse the pocket and set the edge could be crucial in containing Jeanty’s outside runs. He’s also adept in batting down passes and creating turnovers.