Breaking News: College Football Playoff — No. 6 Penn State Moves On to Semifinals With Dominant 31-14 Fiesta Bowl Win Over No. 3 Boise State
GLENDALE, Ariz. — No. 6 Penn State is heading to the College Football Playoff semifinals after overpowering No. 3 Boise State 31-14 in a commanding Fiesta Bowl performance Saturday afternoon at State Farm Stadium.
Fueled by a stifling defense and a balanced offensive attack, the Nittany Lions punched their ticket to the next round, where they will face either No. 2 Michigan or No. 7 Texas. It marks Penn State’s first semifinal appearance since the CFP format began in 2014, and their first major bowl victory under head coach James Franklin since winning the Cotton Bowl in 2019.
“This group believed from Day One,” Franklin said postgame. “We kept saying, ‘Why not us?’ And today we proved it.”
Early Dominance
Penn State wasted no time asserting themselves against a previously unbeaten Boise State squad. Quarterback Drew Allar orchestrated a clinical opening drive, capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Warren to give the Nittany Lions a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game.
Boise State, known for their creativity and explosive plays, struggled to find any rhythm against Penn State’s aggressive front seven. The Broncos’ first three drives ended with two punts and a turnover on downs, as PSU’s defensive ends Chop Robinson and Dani Dennis-Sutton lived in the Boise backfield.
Midway through the second quarter, Allar connected with standout wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a 38-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0. A Jake Pinegar 41-yard field goal as time expired in the half sent Penn State into the locker room up 17-0, with Boise State managing just 87 total yards in the first two quarters.
Boise State Fights Back — Briefly
Boise State, refusing to go down without a fight, opened the third quarter with renewed energy. Quarterback Taylen Green led an 11-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown run by Ashton Jeanty to cut the deficit to 17-7.
For a moment, momentum seemed to swing. The Broncos’ defense forced a rare three-and-out, and Green again marched Boise State deep into Penn State territory. But a crucial third-down sack by Abdul Carter forced the Broncos to settle for a field goal attempt — one that sailed wide right, squandering a golden opportunity.
“That was a big turning point,” Franklin said. “They had a chance to make it a one-score game, and instead, we came right back and took control.”
Indeed, Penn State answered immediately. Allar led a punishing 10-play, 78-yard drive that ate nearly six minutes off the clock. Running back Nick Singleton capped it with a 14-yard touchdown scamper, restoring the Nittany Lions’ 17-point lead and effectively breaking Boise State’s spirit.
Allar’s Breakout Moment
In perhaps the best game of his young career, Allar showcased why he was one of the most highly touted quarterback recruits in recent memory. The sophomore finished 21 of 28 for 287 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, picking apart Boise State’s secondary with surgical precision.
“He’s just growing every game,” Franklin said. “He’s always had the physical tools. Now the game’s slowing down for him mentally.”
Lambert-Smith led all receivers with 8 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Singleton added 94 rushing yards and a score on 16 carries. Penn State finished with 436 total yards, compared to just 291 for Boise State.
A Defensive Masterclass
While Allar and the offense made headlines, Penn State’s defense might have been the real MVP. Linebackers Carter and Curtis Jacobs harassed Green all afternoon, combining for three sacks and a forced fumble. Safety KJ Winston Jr. added an interception late in the fourth quarter that snuffed out any lingering hopes of a Boise State comeback.
Green, who had dazzled throughout the regular season with his dual-threat ability, was limited to just 174 passing yards, a touchdown, and one interception, along with 34 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Boise State converted just 3 of 13 third-down attempts and never found a consistent running game.
“We wanted to take away their bread and butter — their tempo and their run game,” Carter said. “Make them one-dimensional, and then pin our ears back.”
Mission accomplished.
What’s Next
Penn State now advances to face the winner of Sunday’s showdown between Michigan and Texas. If it’s Michigan, it sets up a thrilling Big Ten rematch — the Wolverines handed the Nittany Lions one of their two losses earlier this season in a defensive slugfest. If it’s Texas, it will be the programs’ first-ever meeting in the College Football Playoff.
“We’ll enjoy this tonight,” Franklin said with a smile, “but we know the mission isn’t finished.”
For Boise State, the loss brings a bittersweet end to a historic season. Despite entering the game 13-0 and winning the Mountain West title, the Broncos couldn’t overcome Penn State’s overwhelming size, speed, and depth.
“This doesn’t erase what we accomplished,” Boise State coach Andy Avalos said. “But today, we ran into a great football team, and they deserved it.”
As for Penn State, the dream of a national championship is alive and well — and after today’s dominant showing, few would bet against them.
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