Penn State football is set to make history as it embarks on its first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) journey, heading to the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix on New Year’s Eve. Following an impressive 38-10 victory over SMU at Beaver Stadium, the Nittany Lions have secured a spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face the Boise State Broncos at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Boise State, boasting a record of 12-2, earned a first-round bye after clinching the Mountain West Conference title and receiving the No. 3 seed in the playoff bracket. While Penn State enters this matchup as a strong favorite, it will need to contend with Boise State’s talented running back, Ashton Jeanty, who ranked second in Heisman Trophy voting. Jeanty, averaging 7.3 yards per carry, requires just 134 yards to surpass Barry Sanders’ remarkable single-season rushing record.
Historically, Penn State has a winning streak in the Fiesta Bowl, claiming victory in all seven of its previous appearances, including a memorable national championship upset over the Miami Hurricanes in 1987.
As the Nittany Lions advance to the CFP, their path to the national championship appears promising. However, they will face formidable challenges from top defenses, particularly if they reach the semifinals against teams like Notre Dame or Georgia. For Penn State to continue its playoff run, its quarterback Drew Allar, along with the running game, will need to elevate their performance.
Fans can look forward to the exciting matchups in the CFP, with quarterfinal games including the Fiesta Bowl and additional traditional bowl games set for New Year’s Day. The entire college football community anticipates thrilling competition, culminating in the championship game scheduled for January 20 in Atlanta.
The anticipation for this historic playoff run is palpable. Penn State’s performance this season has ignited a ray of hope for fans, as the team pushes towards potential glory. With a strong showing in the Fiesta Bowl, the Nittany Lions could be on a path to achieve unprecedented success in college football.
In summary, Penn State’s entry into the CFP is an exciting moment for the program and its supporters, and as they prepare for the challenge ahead, the team has the opportunity to make history and inspire a new generation of fans.