In its first College Football Playoff, Penn State is now one win away from going to the massive dance.
The third-seeded Nittany Lions shut down No. 6 Boise State within the Fiesta Bowl, 31-14, on New Year’s Eve to advance to the semifinals.
The Nittany Lions received off to a red-hot begin, blocking a Boise State area objective and turning it right into a landing. Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Drew Allar discovered Omari Evans on an extended landing to make it 14-0. The Broncos would add a landing earlier than the half, and each offenses stalled for some time. Penn State added a area objective simply earlier than the half ended, however on their first drive of the second half, Boise State discovered the top zone once more with a 53-yard catch and run by Matt Lauter.
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Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his landing run with teammates through the fourth quarter in opposition to the Boise State Broncos within the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Penn State clicked once more, although, as they went on an 11-play drive and going 75 yards, with Allar discovering Tyler Warren for the tight finish’s second landing and regaining a 10-point lead. Maddux Madsen then threw a choose, after which, regardless of forcing a three-and-out, Boise State missed one other area objective.
The Lions took benefit, and 7 performs later, they led 31-14 with 4:54 to go after Nicholas Singleton scampered for a 58-yard landing. In the trouble of a miracle, Madsen threw one other interception, all however icing the ball recreation.
Omari Evans #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a go for a landing through the first quarter in opposition to the Boise State Broncos within the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Nittany Lions offense contained Ashton Jeanty all evening – positive, 108 yards is excellent, however that was the Heisman Trophy runner-up’s lowest dashing complete of the season all whereas fumbling twice and shedding one among them. Thus, his chase for Barry Sanders’ single-season dashing document fell brief by simply 24 yards. Entering Tuesday, Jeanty had rushed for at the least 127 yards in each recreation this 12 months.
Jeanty’s 2,605 yards on the season, although, at the moment are the second-most in a single season, as he surpassed Melvin Gordon and Kevin Smith, who now rank third and fourth, respectively.
Tyler Warren #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with teammates after catching a go for a landing through the third quarter in opposition to the Boise State Broncos within the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Allar completed with 171 passing yards and his three touchdowns, whereas Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton mixed for 221 yards on 29 carries.
Penn State will now face the winner of No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame on the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 for an opportunity at a visit to the nationwide championship. Those two will play within the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.
In 5 playoff video games to date, the upper seed has received by double digits every time.
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