14 minutes ago2 min read

Let's Fiesta: A Look Ahead at Penn State vs. Boise State

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty breaks off a big run — © Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

With the first round of the College Football Playoff now concluded, it's the perfect time to shift focus to an exciting CFP quarterfinals showdown. On New Year’s Eve, in the heart of the desert, the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions will clash with the No. 9 Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic classic.

Penn State Overview

Overall Record: 12-2

Last Game: 38-10 win vs. SMU

Record vs. Top 25: 2-2

Conference Finish: 2nd

Best Win: 38-10 vs. SMU

It was almost like stealing candy from a baby for the Nittany Lions. Thanks to forcing 3 turnovers, the 6-seeded Penn State team never looked back on Dec. 21, cruising to a 38-10 thrashing of the 11-seed SMU Mustangs. With the victory, the Big Ten Conference runner-ups are heading to Glendale, Ariz. with plenty of momentum on their side. During the regular season, the Nittany Lions had been ranked as high as No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll before falling short to the then No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes.

PSU Statistical Leaders

Passing: QB Drew Allar

224/324, 2,894 yards, 21 TDs, 7 INTs

Rushing: RB Nicholas Singleton

131 CAR, 838 Yards, 6.4 AVG, 7 TDs

Receiving: TE Tyler Warren

88 REC, 1,062 Yards, 6 TDs

Defensive: S Jaylen Reed

79 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 3 Pass Deflections, 3 INTs

Boise State Overview

Overall Record: 12-2 (8-1)

Last Game: 21-7 Win vs. UNLV

Record vs Top 25: 1-1

Conference Finish: 1st

Best Win: 21-7 vs No. 20 UNLV

Winners of 11 consecutive games, the Broncos will be lurking in the shadows with a trip to the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals on the line. The Mountain West Conference Champs last played against the UNLV Rebels in their conference title game, securing a hard-fought 21-7 victory. The Broncos haven’t lost since a Week 2 defeat to the top-ranked Oregon Ducks, and they’ll be eager to pounce as they prepare for their own playoff run. With 25 days having passed since their last game, the Broncos should be well-rested both physically and mentally ahead of the Fiesta Bowl festivities.