GLENDALE, Ariz.— Penn State made history on December 31, 2024, with a commanding 31-14 win over Boise State in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The Nittany Lions (13-2, 8-1 Big Ten) showcased a balanced offense and stifling defense to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
“We played a complete game—offense, defense, and special teams,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said. “We played complementary football and did some special things tonight. I’m just proud of our guys.”
Allar Leads the Charge
Quarterback Drew Allar spearheaded Penn State’s (13-2, 8-1 Big Ten) offensive efforts, throwing three touchdown passes, including two to tight end Tyler Warren. Allar’s 11-yard strike to Warren in the first quarter set the tone, and a third-quarter touchdown to Warren re-established control after Boise State closed the gap to three points.
“Drew makes big-time throws,” Franklin said. “He started out the game on fire, and we made things a little harder than they needed to be with penalties. But he stepped up when it mattered.”
Turnovers Define the Game
Turnovers played a pivotal role in the Nittany Lions’ success. Penn State’s defense forced three interceptions and recovered a fumble. Safety Zakee Wheatley’s interception in the second quarter and a fumble recovery in the first halted Boise State drives and set up crucial scoring opportunities.
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen threw for 304 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times, halting their momentum at critical junctures. Conversely, Penn State’s lone turnover, a fumble by Allar in the first quarter, went unpunished as the Broncos failed to capitalize.
“Football always comes down to execution, and we just didn’t execute as much as we needed to, to establish the run game as much as we have to in a game like this.” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said. “It’s something that we’ve got to look back and learn and grow from.”
Shutting Down Ashton Jeanty
Penn State’s defense effectively neutralized Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 104 yards on 30 carries but struggled to break free. His longest run was just 26 yards, and he fumbled in the first quarter, leading to a Penn State touchdown.
Penalties Create Drama
Both teams struggled with penalties, with Boise State committing 13 for 90 yards and Penn State 10 for 98 yards. Boise State’s mistakes were particularly costly, including a false start on 4th-and-1 in the second quarter that forced them to punt and a roughing-the-passer call in the third that extended a Penn State touchdown drive.
Key Performances
Penn State’s offensive balance shone, with Kaytron Allen rushing for 134 yards on 17 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. Nicholas Singleton added 87 yards on 12 carries, including a game-sealing 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Allar finished with 171 passing yards, completing 13 of 25 attempts. Tight end Tyler Warren stood out with six catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns, while Omari Evans contributed a 38-yard touchdown reception.
Defensively, Dani Dennis-Sutton recorded six tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. The secondary, led by Wheatley and Zion Tracy, disrupted Boise State’s passing game and forced turnovers at key moments.
A Historic Start to the Expanded CFP
This game was the first of four quarterfinals played over two days in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, marking a new era for college football. Penn State’s victory solidified its place in history as the inaugural CFP quarterfinal winner, setting the tone for the remaining games.
When Penn State head coach James Franklin was asked his thoughts on getting to face Georgia or Notre Dame next “Honestly, I want to enjoy this Boise win and this Fiesta Bowl win for a couple hours.” he remarked. “Two great programs. History, tradition, talent, coaching. At this point in the season, you’re going to play really good people, and we’re excited about that opportunity.”
With a balanced offensive attack, opportunistic defense, and contributions from every unit, Penn State not only made history but also positioned itself as a strong contender in the chase for the national championship. “
