Penn State football is set to make history with its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, kicking off their campaign in the Fiesta Bowl against the Boise State Broncos on New Year’s Eve.
The Nittany Lions secured their place in the quarterfinals with a decisive 38-10 victory over SMU, showcasing their strength and determination. As they prepare for the upcoming clash with Boise State, who holds a 12-2 record and earned a first-round playoff bye as the highest-ranked team from the Group of 5, Penn State is anticipated to be the strong favorite.
One significant factor in this matchup is Boise State’s standout running back, Ashton Jeanty, who finished as a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Jeanty needs just 134 rushing yards to break Barry Sanders’ single-season record and has been averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry throughout the season.
Notably, Penn State has a strong track record at the Fiesta Bowl, having won all seven of their appearances, including a historic national championship victory over the Miami Hurricanes in 1987. Their most recent Fiesta Bowl triumph came against Washington in 2017.
Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions have a promising path toward the national title game. However, overcoming the challenge posed by an elite defense in the semifinals will be crucial. The offense, led by Drew Allar and bolstered by a strong running game, will need to step up if they hope to advance past formidable opponents like Notre Dame or Georgia.
The CFP quarterfinals will kick off at the Fiesta Bowl on December 31 at 7:30 p.m., followed by several other high-stakes bowl games on New Year’s Day. Fans eagerly await this exciting match-up as Penn State aims to make its mark in college football history.
This season is a testament to the resilience and skill of the Penn State team, and as they approach this crucial game, fans can remain optimistic about their chances of making a deep playoff run.
In summary, Penn State’s historic journey in the College Football Playoff is about to become a reality, and their upcoming game against Boise State presents not only a challenge but also an opportunity to achieve greatness.