Fiesta Bowl 2024 Recap: No. 5 Penn State vs. No. 8 Boise State
penn vs boise state football; On December 31, 2024, the Fiesta Bowl delivered an electrifying contest between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Boise State Broncos. Penn State emerged victorious with a decisive 31-14 win, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball. The game solidified Penn State’s position as a top contender for the College Football Playoff semifinals.
First Half Highlights; penn vs boise state football
Penn State Strikes Early
- The Nittany Lions wasted no time setting the tone. Quarterback Drew Allar orchestrated a flawless opening drive, culminating in a 38-yard touchdown pass to receiver Omari Evans.
- Shortly after, Penn State capitalized on a Boise State turnover. Allar found wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0.
Boise State Responds
- The Broncos managed to regain composure in the second quarter. Quarterback Maddux Madsen led a methodical drive, highlighted by a 22-yard run from Ashton Jeanty.
- Tyler Crowe powered through Penn State’s defensive line for a 2-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7.
Nittany Lions Extend Their Lead
- As halftime approached, Penn State kicker Alex Felkins nailed a 42-yard field goal. This pushed the Lions ahead 17-7, maintaining momentum into the locker room.
Second Half Highlights; penn vs boise state football
Boise State’s Momentum Surge
- Early in the third quarter, the Broncos ignited their comeback hopes. Madsen connected with receiver Matt Lauter on a stunning 53-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 17-14.
Penn State’s Game-Changing Play
- Just when Boise seemed poised to tie the game, Penn State’s Nick Singleton delivered a breathtaking 58-yard touchdown run, showcasing speed and agility. This extended Penn State’s lead to 24-14 and shifted the game’s momentum.
Defense Steals the Show
- The Nittany Lions’ defense clamped down, intercepting Madsen three times in the second half. Safety Jaylen Reed’s acrobatic pick in the fourth quarter thwarted a Boise drive deep in Penn State territory.
Sealing the Victory
- Drew Allar put the game out of reach with his third touchdown pass, a 15-yard strike to tight end Tyler Warren. The score sealed the 31-14 win, sending Penn State fans into celebration.
Key Performances
Penn State
- Drew Allar: The sophomore quarterback threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating poise and precision.
- Nick Singleton: The star running back amassed 132 rushing yards, including a game-defining 58-yard touchdown.
- Jaylen Reed: His defensive heroics, including a key interception, solidified Penn State’s dominance.
Boise State
- Maddux Madsen: Despite three interceptions, Madsen showcased his arm strength with 256 passing yards and a touchdown.
- Ashton Jeanty: The Broncos’ top rusher was limited to 104 yards, struggling against Penn State’s defensive front.
Turning Points
- Singleton’s 58-Yard Touchdown: A masterful run that broke Boise’s momentum and energized Penn State.
- Third-Quarter Interceptions: Boise’s inability to protect the ball allowed Penn State to maintain control.
- Red Zone Defense: The Nittany Lions’ defense consistently denied Boise scoring opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Penn State advances to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Orange Bowl between No. 2 Georgia and No. 3 Notre Dame. Head coach James Franklin praised his team’s discipline and execution, emphasizing their readiness for the next challenge.
For Boise State, the loss marks the end of an impressive season. Despite the outcome, head coach Andy Avalos expressed pride in his team’s resilience and growth throughout the year.
Quotes
- James Franklin, Penn State Head Coach:
“Our team played with heart, focus, and grit tonight. This win is a testament to our preparation and unity.” - Andy Avalos, Boise State Head Coach:
“We fought hard against a tough opponent. This experience will fuel our growth moving forward.”
Penn State fans can now dream of a national title as the Nittany Lions prepare for their biggest test yet in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
