In its first college football game, Penn State he is now one win away from going to the big dance.
The third-seeded Nittany Lions closed out No. 6 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, 31-14, on New Year's Eve to advance to the semifinals.
The Nittany Lions got off to a hot start, blocking a Boise State field goal and turning it over. Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Drew Allar found Omari Evans long to make it 14-0. The Broncos would add a drive before the half, and both offenses stalled for a while. Penn State added a field goal before halftime, but on their first drive of the second half, Boise State regained the end zone with a 53-yard catch and run. by Matt Lauter.
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Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his touchdown with his teammates in the fourth quarter against the Boise State Broncos in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Stadium at State Farm on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
However, Penn State pressed again, as they went 11 plays and went 75 yards, Allar found Tyler Warren for a second touchdown and 10 more points. Maddux Madsen then threw a pick and, despite forcing three outs, Boise State missed another field goal.
The Lions took advantage, and seven plays later, took a 31-14 lead with 4:54 to go after Nicholas Singleton ran for a 58-yard touchdown. In a miraculous effort, Madsen threw another interception, without playing a football.
Omari Evans #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Boise State Broncos in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Nittany Lions offense had Ashton Jeanty all night – sure, 108 yards is great, but that was the lowest Heisman Trophy rusher all season as he had two fumbles and a loss is one of them. Thus, his pursuit of Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record fell just 24 yards short. Entering Tuesday, Jeanty had rushed for at least 127 yards in every game this season.
Jeanty's 2,605 yards on the season, however, are now the second most in a single season, as he passed Melvin Gordon and Kevin Smith, who are currently third and fourth, respectively.
Tyler Warren #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with his teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Boise State Broncos in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on May 31 December 2024 Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Allar finished with 171 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 221 yards on 29 carries.
Penn State will now face the No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame at Orange Bowl on January 9 for a chance to travel to the state tournament. The two will play in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday at 8:45 pm
In the five playoff games so far, the top seed has won by double digits each time.
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