With Penn State football’s impressive 38-10 victory over SMU in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, the Nittany Lions are set to face off against the Boise State Broncos, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. This matchup will take place in Glendale, Arizona, which promises a much warmer climate compared to the frigid temperatures of State College during their last game, as temperatures for the New Year’s Eve contest could reach the high 60s if the stadium’s retractable roof remains open.
The upcoming clash is expected to be a thrilling battle between two of the nation’s top rushing teams.
The College Football Playoff bracket is taking shape, with No. 6 Penn State poised to challenge No. 3 Boise State on New Year’s Eve. Other matchups include No. 7 Notre Dame up against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, Texas facing No. 4 Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, and the winner of the Ohio State-Tennessee game set to face No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
As for predictions, Jeanty’s consistent performance throughout the season gives him a strong chance to make an impact against Penn State’s defense. However, Boise State’s vulnerabilities in other areas could allow Penn State to gain the upper hand, paving the way for them to advance to the semifinals.
The schedule for the quarterfinals is as follows: the Fiesta Bowl featuring Penn State versus Boise State kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, followed by the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day at 1 p.m., the Rose Bowl at 5 p.m., and concluding with the Sugar Bowl at 8:45 p.m.
The semifinal games will take place next month, with the Orange Bowl on January 9 and the Cotton Bowl on January 10.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an exciting playoff, the anticipation is building for Penn State’s next challenge. It’s a moment for the team and their supporters to rally together as they strive for success in the quest for a championship.