The Penn State Nittany Lions dominated the Boise State Broncos 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Penn State becomes the first team to advance to the College Football Playoffs semifinals and will play the winner of the Notre Dame vs. Georgia game in the Orange Bowl on January 9. Not only did the Nittany Lions send the Broncos packing, but they also kept Ashton Jeanty from breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Sloppy Play Paves the Way for Penn State
Boise State was outmatched and outmanned in this game, which led to a sloppy game. QB Maddux Madsen finished the game with 304 yards passing, one TD, and three INTs. Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty carried the ball 30 times for 104 yards and was kept out of the endzone by Penn State’s defense. Where things get nasty for Boise State is the 13 penalties they committed, which equated to 90 yards. Despite the penalties, the Broncos could not remain competitive after committing four turnovers.
For Penn State, All-American tight end Tyler Warren helped seal the victory. Warren finished the game with six receptions for 63 yards and two TDs. QB Drew Allar completed 13 of 25 passes for 171 yards, three TDs, and no interceptions. Running Back Kaytron Allen carried the ball 17 times for 134 yards, while fellow teammate Nick Singleton rushed for 87 yards on 12 carries. Coach Franklin’s team committed 10 penalties for 98 yards and one turnover.
Up Next for Penn State
Penn State’s path to the semifinals has been the easiest, considering they played both teams that many people didn’t feel should be there. Now, the Nittany Lions will face either Notre Dame or Georgia, which will be an actual test of legitimacy. I don’t think Penn State can go toe-to-toe with either team. Georgia will be without their star QB Carson Beck, which makes me believe Notre Dame might win. Penn State is set to play the winner on January 9, 2025, in the Orange Bowl.
Closing Thoughts
I do not believe in this Penn State team, as they have been known to choke against stiffer competition. Georgia and Notre Dame both qualify as stiffer competition. Don’t let the Nittany Lions’ wins over SMU and Boise State fool you into believing they are contenders. As I stated before, they have had the easiest path. They have dominated in their first two games, but I see them get dominated in the Orange Bowl by whoever they play.
