Did Ashton Jeanty break the rushing record? Looking at Boise State RB's recent record

Running back Ashton Jeanty has not broken the single-season rushing yard record just yet, but he is closing in on it. The No. 3 Boise State Broncos star is having a great season as the team continues its pursuit of the College Football Playoff National Championship. His next game could see him break NFL legend Barry Sanders' all-time single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards.

Sanders set the record for the most rushing yards in his 1988 season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Over the years, other players have come close but have failed to surpass the milestone. Jeanty currently has 344 carries for 2,497 yards. He could set a new record in his next game.

Boise State (12-1, 7-0 Mountain West Conference) are awaiting their next opponents in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. The team earned a first-round bye after a 21-7 victory over the No. 24 UNLV Rebels (10-3, 6-1 Mountain West) in the Mountain West Championship on Dec. 6. In that game, Jeanty finished with 32 carries for 209 yards and one touchdown.

The No. 11 SMU Mustangs (11-2, 8-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) will face the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2, 8-1 Big Ten) in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 21.

Boise State will face the winner in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. If Ashton Jeanty can rush for 132 yards in the quarterfinal game, he will surpass Sanders' record. His lowest rushing yards this season was 127 in the Broncos' 56-14 win over the Portland State Vikings (3-8, 3-5 Big Sky Conference) in Week 4 on Sep. 21.

Which team gives Ashton Jeanty the best chance of breaking the all-time single-season rushing record?

Given his performance this season, Ashton Jeanty's chances of rushing for 132 yards in his next game are promising. His last two appearances saw him rushing for more than 200 yards in each. That said, he could struggle to break Sanders' record depending on who he faces.

The Mustangs are one of the best defensive teams in the ACC, especially against the run game of opposing teams. SMU leads their conference in fewer rushing yards allowed for the season, with 1,214 yards. Although Ashton Jeanty has played incredibly well, he could face issues against them.

Penn State is sixth with fewer rushing yards allowed in the Big Ten with 1,347 yards. The Heisman Trophy candidate should have an easier opportunity to get the yards needed if he faces the Nittany Lions instead of SMU in the Fiesta Bowl.