Penn State football made history this season with their first College Football Playoff (CFP) victory. This New Year’s Eve, they are set to face the 3rd seeded Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinals, looking to extend their record further.
The 6-seeded Nittany Lions, with a 12-2 record, travel to Glendale, Arizona, to take on the 12-1 Broncos, who enjoyed a bye in the first round of the playoffs. They had the opportunity to witness Penn State’s significant 38-10 victory over SMU, showcasing the Nittany Lions’ capability.
While the Broncos had a break to recuperate, the question remains whether this advantage will impact their performance on the field. Boise State had an impressive season, going on an 11-game winning streak following a narrow loss to Oregon, the overall No. 1 seed in the CFP, early in the season.
One of the matchups to watch will be between Penn State’s linebacker Abdul Carter and Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, the Boise State running back with eye-popping stats: 2,497 rushing yards on 344 attempts and 29 touchdowns. Coach James Franklin praised Jeanty, calling him one of the greatest running backs in collegiate history.
Follow Live Updates
Stay tuned for live updates and scores from the Fiesta Bowl between the Nittany Lions and the Broncos!
How to Watch the Fiesta Bowl
- Date: December 31
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (with a free trial)
Game Preview
The Fiesta Bowl is not new to either team, as Penn State has a historical success rate of 7-0 in this game while Boise State holds a 3-0 record. This adds stakes to who will preserve their undefeated status in the prestigious bowl.
Previous Matchups
This meeting marks the first-ever game between these two programs, as both teams aim to solidify their positions in college football history.
Prediction and Odds
As per recent betting lines, Penn State is favored by 11 points over Boise State, with over/under set at 52.5. Analysts have varied opinions with several publications predicting a Penn State victory based on their defensive strength and offensive capabilities.
Conclusion
As the Fiesta Bowl approaches, fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling encounter between two formidable college football powerhouses, where the stakes are high and the excitement palpable.
