In a thrilling Fiesta Bowl matchup, Penn State emerged victorious over Boise State with a 31-14 win, securing their spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite a strong performance by Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who surpassed 100 rushing yards, the Nittany Lions defense proved to be too much for the Boise State offense. Penn State’s Drew Allar threw three touchdown passes, while the team’s defense effectively contained Jeanty throughout the game.
Penn State initially took control of the game, opening with a 14-0 lead against Boise State. However, the Broncos fought back and narrowed the margin to 17-14 early in the third quarter. Just when it seemed like Boise State had gained momentum, Penn State responded decisively. Allar connected with Tyler Warren for a touchdown, and Nick Singleton broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run, securing the Nittany Lions’ victory and paving their way to the Orange Bowl against either Georgia or Notre Dame.
Penn State coach James Franklin praised his team’s performance, highlighting their strong showing on both offense and defense. The Nittany Lions effectively controlled the line of scrimmage and stifled Jeanty’s rushing attempts. Despite a relatively low output from Jeanty in terms of yardage, the Boise State running back commended Penn State’s defense for their execution and tackling. Offensively, Penn State showcased a balanced attack, with strong contributions from Allen, Singleton, and Allar.
Boise State made a valiant effort to stage a comeback, with Crowe scoring a touchdown to narrow Penn State’s lead. However, the team’s struggles were compounded by turnovers and missed opportunities. Ultimately, Penn State’s dominant performance on both sides of the ball proved too much for Boise State to overcome, leading to their defeat and falling short of a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Looking ahead, Penn State is set to face either Georgia or Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on January 9. On the other hand, Boise State will kick off their 2025 season against South Florida. Despite falling short in the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State’s resilience and fighting spirit were evident throughout the game, showcasing their determination and competitive spirit on a national stage.
