Boise State's Latrell Caples suggests opponents focus on ruining teammate Ashton Jeanty's Heisman hopes

Boise State wide receiver Latrell Caples offered a theory about the game plans the Broncos have encountered this season.

From Caples’ perspective, opponents have spent a significant amount of energy implementing methods that they hope will slow down the running back Ashton Jeanty. While defensive coordinators are certainly focused on Jeanty, the receiver believes teams are also tempted by the opportunity to undermine the running back’s Heisman Trophy dreams.

“We play conference teams,” Caples said. “They’re trying to let it hang a little bit and keep Ashton from winning the Heisman. Overall, we’re trying to win the game, so we win the game by executing our basic principles at a higher level. than her.”

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November 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Latrell Caples (3) celebrates during the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium. (Brian Losness-Imagn images)

Jeanty is in the midst of one of the most productive seasons in recent memory college football history. Jeanty has amassed 1,525 rushing yards on 190 carries in eight games so far this season.

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It also remains possible that Jeanty could surpass Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards. Sanders set the tone in 1988, his final season with the club State of Oklahoma. Sanders won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 and was the third overall selection in the 1989 NFL Draft.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (2) cuts back on the diving tackle attempt of Washington State defensive back Tanner Moku (32) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

Caples noted that opponents are selling out in a way that makes him believe winning the actual football game isn’t the first priority. The receiver mentioned the number of players coaches put in the box in an attempt to hinder the running game.

“I mean, they’re not trying to win, so I would say so,” Caples said. “You can’t win by putting nine people in the box every time.”

Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) gets a tackle from UCLA Bruins linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first quarter of the Starco Brands LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. (Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports)

Caples seems to benefit from the increased attention Jeanty commands. He led the team with 90 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns in last week’s 56-24 win over San Diego State.

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Boise State enters Week 11 in first place in the Mountain West Conference standings. The No. 12 Broncos host Nevada on Nov. 9.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.