GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off with the premier matchup on New Year's Eve featuring the No. 3 seeded Boise State Broncos taking on the No. 6 seeded Penn State Nittany Lions. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the famed State Farm Stadium, which has long been known as the stage for prominent college football matchups.
Despite being the higher seed, the Nittany Lions enter this game as the betting favorites, with consensus lines showing them as 11-point favorites, according to various sportsbooks including DraftKings and BetMGM. Betting trends indicate strong public confidence in Penn State, with over 62 percent of the spread-line money backing them, and the moneyline has shifted to -450, reflecting 70 percent of overall bets favoring the Nittany Lions. "The Penn State faithful are backing the Nittany Lions heavily in the first quarterfinal game," said Seamus Magee, trading manager at BetMGM. This trend highlights the sense of urgency and competitiveness both teams feel as they inch closer to advancing.
Boise State enters this matchup with elite confidence, having earned their place by winning the Mountain West title. They boast of their perfect track record at the Fiesta Bowl, having gone 3-0 previously. Coach Spencer Danielson acknowledges the program's rich history: "We might not have what everybody else has, but we definitely have enough. We’re going to continue to push forward to prove ourselves once again on this national stage." His words reflect the heart and resilience ingrained within the Boise State Broncos.
The narrative isn't just about the match itself, but also about the star players on each side. Boise State's leading rusher, Ashton Jeanty, has gained attention this season with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, making him the Heisman runner-up. His ability to break tackles is remarkable: approximately 1,300 of his rushing yards come from plays after contact, which showcases his tenacity on the field. Considering his performance, Danielson stated emphatically, "I think it starts and ends with Jeanty." His presence will be pivotal if Boise State aims to secure victory against their formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Penn State’s standout player, tight end Tyler Warren, has garnered praises as one of the most talented tight ends seen this season. With 92 receptions and 1,095 receiving yards, Warren has not only set single-season Big Ten records but also won the Mackey Award for being the nation’s top tight end. "Tyler Warren is elite," Danielson remarked. "He can do it all. He is extremely violent at the point of attack and can catch every ball." Such praise reinforces the high expectations associated with Warren as he competes at this level.
This face-off between Boise State and Penn State brings historical significance; the Broncos were the last non-Power Four conference team to win the Fiesta Bowl, and they aim to defy odds once again. The game promises not just individual performances but also strategic battles along the line of scrimmage. Boise State's only loss this season came on September 7 against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks, after which they managed to register 11 consecutive victories, albeit only one against ranked opponents (a 21-7 win over then-No. 20 UNLV).
Analysts predict and speculate on how the game may unravel. They believe for Boise State to sustain competitiveness, it is pertinent to prevent early setbacks. The prediction is projected: Penn State 38, Boise State 20, which may serve as motivation for the Broncos to showcase unexpected sparks of brilliance. Penn State, with its history of dominance and strong playoff drives, may seem overwhelming, but history has shown time and again the sports world often revels in surprises.
The anticipation leading up to this Fiesta Bowl is palpable. All eyes will watch how Boise State will prepare to defy expectations one more time against one of the nation's elite, equipped with determination and the heart ingrained in their program.