Chasing Barry Sanders: Will Jeanty break single-season rushing record?

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet

Ashton Jeanty's unpredictable rise up the Heisman ranks has coincided with a historically dominant rushing season. Jeanty, who wasn't even listed on the Heisman oddsboard before the season and is now the fourth-favorite (+450), has run for 1,376 yards through seven games.

The Boise State running back will easily run away with this season's rushing title, but he also has a chance to catch Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record. Sanders accumulated 2,628 rushing yards for Oklahoma State in 1988.

Jeanty would have to average 250.4 rushing yards per game over the next five games to eclipse Sanders' record in the regular season. Although Boise State is only guaranteed five more games, it's the favorite to win the Mountain West championship and has an inside track on making the College Football Playoff. The Broncos' lone loss was to Oregon in Week 2, and they're currently -170 to make the playoff.

ESPN Bet and theScore Bet are offering a market where bettors can cash in if Jeanty breaks Sanders' record in the regular season. He's +500 to break the mark, meaning oddsmakers give him a 16% chance of surpassing Sanders' 36-year record.

He has a much greater chance of breaking the record in the Mountain West championship or subsequent bowl games, but the bet will only cash if he makes history in the regular season. Sanders accomplished the feat in just 11 regular-season games, a nearly impossible task in the modern era.

Melvin Gordon came the closest to touching the seemingly untouchable record when he finished 41 yards short for Wisconsin in 2014. However, it took Gordon 14 games to even approach Sanders.

Jeanty has only rushed for over 250 yards twice this season and has slowed down in recent weeks. He only ran for 128 yards on 33 carries against UNLV over the weekend, and his 3.9 yards per carry was a season low.

Fatigue could set in as Jeanty's high-usage rate in Boise State's offense hinders his explosiveness as the year wears on. Plus, defenses have tailored their entire gameplan toward limiting Jeanty, whose breakout speed will likely lead to a first-round selection in April's NFL draft.

All of Boise State's five remaining opponents rank in the bottom half of the country in rushing defense, with its final two competitors - Wyoming and Oregon State - ranking in the bottom third.

If the Broncos go on an unlikely run in the College Football Playoff, it's conceivable Jeanty breaks Sanders' record - but can he break it in the regular season? It's a huge longshot, but a wager might make rooting for history even more enticing. If it's not Jeanty this season, then Sanders' record might just be everlasting.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.