GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State showcased its defensive prowess against Boise State, managing to shut down the Broncos' Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. Despite Jeanty exceeding 100 rushing yards, the Nittany Lions demonstrated their dominance with key plays, leading to a 31-14 win and securing their spot in the Fiesta Bowl.
Penn State coach James Franklin was clearly pleased with his team's performance, stating, "Our defensive front played lights out." Jeanty, who finished with 104 yards on 30 carries, faced continuous pressure and was even held to two fumbles. Despite the loss, Jeanty managed to close the season with 2,601 rushing yards, just shy of Barry Sanders' FBS record.
The Nittany Lions' formidable defense was instrumental throughout the game, disrupting Boise State's offensive rhythm and capitalizing on mistakes. Jeanty admitted, "They had good movement up front... They executed. I didn't play my best. I fumbled a couple of times. I could have played even 'better.'" Penn State's strategic plays ensured they could control the game's momentum.
With the win, Penn State improved to 13-2, marking their program-record 13th victory this season. They now advance to face either No. 2 seed Georgia or No. 7 seed Notre Dame on January 9, 2024, for the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.
The Nittany Lions showed off their offensive capabilities as well, with two running backs, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, each surpassing 1,000 yards for the season. Allen contributed significantly to the victory, rushing for 134 yards, and Singleton added 87 yards along with a decisive touchdown run, sealing the win for Penn State.
Quarterback Drew Allar was efficient, completing 13 of 25 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions. His performance was particularly notable with tight end Tyler Warren catching two touchdown passes, becoming one of the standout players of the game.
Defensively, Penn State's Abdul Carter, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, did not return after halftime due to injury, raising concerns for future games. Franklin said, "I don't know a whole lot... obviously, number one is the safety, health and welfare of our guys." The team will look for more updates on Carter's condition following the match.
Boise State, with aspirations to continue its Fiesta Bowl success, scored first after halftime, but could not maintain the momentum as Penn State responded with powerful offensive plays. Although Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 23 of 35 passes for 304 yards, he also threw three interceptions, including back-to-back picks during the Broncos' last drives of the game.
Coach Spencer Danielson's Broncos concluded the game with overall resilience, but he recognized the challenges presented by falling behind early. "We weren't consistent in all three phases to pull it out," he lamented, reitering the importance of execution throughout the match. Despite its loss, Boise State's season remains commendable with only two defeats, including one against top-ranked Oregon.
The Fiesta Bowl result reflected the statistical edges for Penn State, amplifying their running effectiveness alongside their steadily improving passing game. Not merely qualified as underdogs, Boise State needed more consistency against elite teams like the Nittany Lions.
Penn State has established itself as the team to watch with head coach James Franklin at the helm, preparing swiftly to potentially face the formidable Georgia team or the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Fans anticipate whether the Nittany Lions' strong play style can maintain its momentum against these top-tier rivals.
The matchup encapsulated everything college football is about—intense competition, strategic gameplay, and the resilience of both teams. Penn State’s next challenge awaits as they look to capitalize on their momentum from the Fiesta Bowl.