College Football Playoff: Penn State Overcomes Feisty Boise State to Claim VRBO Fiesta Bowl Victory

The College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Penn State and Boise State was filled with intriguing moments, but ultimately highlighted Penn State's capacity to assert its physical dominance, leading to a 31-14 victory.

Here’s a breakdown of what stood out compared to the preview expectations, alongside postgame analysis and player performance insights.

College Football Playoff: Penn State Overcomes Feisty Boise State to Claim VRBO Fiesta Bowl Victory

Pre-Game Expectation vs. Reality

Ashton Jeanty’s Historic Chase

Pre-game, all eyes were on Boise State’s Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty and his pursuit of Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. Penn State’s stout run defense ranked 10th nationally, was expected to make this a challenging task.

Game Outcome: Jeanty was held to 104 yards on 30 carries (3.5 YPC), his lowest output of the season. Penn State’s defense, led by a disciplined front seven, stifled Jeanty and prevented explosive plays. The effort left Jeanty 28 yards shy of Sanders’ record, marking a bittersweet end to a historic season.

Penn State’s Ground-and-Pound Attack

The preview highlighted the Nittany Lions’ dynamic running back duo, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, as pivotal to setting the game’s tone.

Game Outcome: This prediction hit the mark. Allen’s 134 rushing yards on 17 carries and Singleton’s 58-yard touchdown run capped a dominant rushing performance (216 yards total). Their contributions helped control the clock and wear down Boise State’s defense.

Drew Allar’s Decision-Making Under Pressure

Boise State’s aggressive pass rush, led by Jayden Virgin-Morgan, was expected to test Allar’s poise.

Game Outcome: While Allar wasn’t perfect (13-of-25, 171 yards), he delivered three touchdown passes without turnovers. His connection with tight end Tyler Warren (6 catches, 63 yards, 2 TDs) provided the offensive spark Penn State needed.

Boise State’s Pass Defense Struggles

The Broncos’ 109th-ranked pass defense was highlighted as a vulnerability, especially against Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren.

Game Outcome: As predicted, Warren was a matchup nightmare. He consistently found space in the red zone and capitalized on Boise State’s inability to defend the middle of the field.

Discipline and Mistakes

Both teams entered with strong postseason histories, but the game’s outcome would hinge on limiting mistakes.

Game Outcome: Boise State faltered here, committing 13 penalties, four turnovers, and two missed field goals. Penn State’s ability to capitalize on these mistakes proved decisive.

Key Game Stats

• Total Yards: Boise State 412, Penn State 387

• Rushing Yards: Penn State 216, Boise State 108

• Turnovers: Boise State 4, Penn State 1

• Time of Possession: Boise State 34:04, Penn State 25:56

  
  

Postgame Insights

Penn State’s Resiliency and Balance

While the Nittany Lions didn’t dominate statistically, they excelled in critical moments. Their ability to answer Boise State’s second-half rally with an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive was a turning point.

Boise State’s Missed Opportunities

The Broncos struggled to capitalize on Penn State’s mistakes. A hands-to-the-face penalty negated a touchdown, while two missed field goals cost valuable points. Maddux Madsen’s three interceptions further derailed Boise State’s comeback hopes.

Defensive Adjustments

Despite All-American edge rusher Abdul Carter being sidelined in the first half due to an undisclosed injury, Penn State's defense adjusted in the second half. Players such as Zakee Wheatley rose to the occasion, with Wheatley's fourth-quarter interception effectively sealing Boise State's fate.

Player of the Game: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Tyler Warren proved once again he is the focal point of the Penn State offense by posting 6 receptions for 63 yards and 2 touchdowns, consistently finding space in Boise State’s defense. His critical catches not only accounted for two pivotal scores but also highlighted why he’s regarded as the potential TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Warren’s ability to command attention and deliver in key moments provided the spark Penn State needed to maintain control and secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

Penn State’s semifinal matchup against the winner of Georgia vs. Notre Dame will test their ability to replicate this balanced performance. The health of Abdul Carter will be monitored as he will be critical for their defense’s chances in the next round of the College Football Playoff.

For Boise State, the loss stings but doesn’t overshadow a remarkable season. Ashton Jeanty’s historic campaign and the Broncos’ resurgence under head coach Spencer Danielson reestablished them as a national power.

Penn State moves on, one step closer to their first national title since 1986.