Penn State's No. 6 seed Nittany Lions triumphed over No. 3 Boise State, securing their place in the College Football Playoff semifinal by winning 31-14 at the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday.
Head coach James Franklin emphasized the team's determination to contain Boise State's standout running back Ashton Jeanty, who managed only 104 yards on 30 carries during the game. "Our defensive front played lights out," Franklin remarked. "They knew (Jeanty) was chasing records. They were a determined, highly motivated group." Indeed, Jeanty finished the season with 2,601 rushing yards, just shy of breaking Barry Sanders' FBS record of 2,628 yards set back in 1988.
Jeanty acknowledged the challenge posed by Penn State's defense, saying, "They had good movement up front. They have a great D-line and front seven. They did not do anything extraordinary. They tackled. They executed. I didn't play my best. I fumbled a couple of times. I could have played besser."
Penn State (13-2) advanced to the semifinals, where they will face either No. 2 seed Georgia or No. 7 seed Notre Dame, both of whom are set to clash at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday. The Nittany Lions not only showcased their defensive prowess but also exhibited their offensive strength with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton each surpassing 1,000 rushing yards this season. Allen recorded 134 yards on 17 carries, complemented by Singleton's 87 yards, including a pivotal 58-yard touchdown run in the final stretch of the game.
Franklin praised the significance of their running game, stating, "When you're able to run the ball like that's been especially at this time of year, it is very big because it helps open up the entire offense." Quarterback Drew Allar effectively led the offense, completing 13 of 25 passes for 171 yards along with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The game was not without its setbacks for Penn State, particularly when standout defensive end Abdul Carter, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, exited during the second quarter due to injury. Franklin noted, "I don't know a whole lot, and we'll get it checked out. Obviously, number one is the safety, health and welfare of our guys. I know he will want to play next week. We'll find out more. I don't have much more information than about him."
Boise State (13-2) initially struggled against Penn State's strong defense, trailing 17-7 at halftime. They managed to score on their first possession of the second half, with quarterback Maddux Madsen completing all three attempts on the drive, which culminated with a 53-yard touchdown pass to Matt Lauter.
Madsen's performance overall included completing 23 of 35 passes for 304 yards, though he was hampered by three interceptions. Penn State capitalized on their opportunities, with Allar's touchdown pass to Tyler Warren extending their lead to 24-14.
Missed field goals proved costly for Boise State, with kicker Jonah Dalmas failing to convert attempts from 38 and 45 yards. Even as they fought to get back within reach, they couldn't overcome key turnovers.
Reflecting on the game, Boise State coach Spencer Danielson remarked, "Football boils down to execution, and we did not do enough to establish the running game. We got down 14-0 in the first quarter, and our guys showed their resiliency, but it felt like it was an uphill battle. We weren't consistent in all three phases to pull it out."
Now, Penn State eagerly awaits the outcome of the Sugar Bowl to see whom they will face next. The upcoming semifinal at the Orange Bowl promises to be another high-stakes affair for the Nittany Lions.