In the first college football playoff game, Pennsylvania Now she's one win away from going to the big prom.
The third-seeded Nittany Lions were shut 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 strong start, blocking a Boise State field goal and turning it into a touchdown. Then, after a hat-trick, Drew Allard set up Omari Evans long out to make it 14-0. The Broncos would add a touchdown before halftime, and both offenses stalled for some time. Penn State added a field goal just before the half ended, but on its first drive of the second half, Boise State found the end zone again with a 53-yard catch and run by Matt Lotter.
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Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the fourth 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)
Penn State clicked again, though, as they went on an 11-play drive and went 75 yards, where Allar found Tyler Warren for a second touchdown at tight end and restored the 10-point lead. Maddox Madsen then threw a pick, and then, despite forcing a three-and-out, Boise State missed another field goal.
The Lions took advantage, and after seven plays, they took a 31-14 lead with 4:54 to go after Nicholas Singleton rushed for a 58-yard touchdown. In an attempt to pull off a miracle, Madsen threw another interception, all but the ball game.
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 contained Ashton Jeanty all night — sure, 108 yards is pretty good, but that was the lowest rushing total for the Heisman Trophy runner-up this season while fumbling two fumbles and losing one. Thus, his chase for Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record fell short by just 24 yards. Entering Tuesday, Genty had rushed for at least 127 yards in every game this year.
However, Genty's 2,605 yards on the season is now second-most in a single season, passing Melvin Gordon and Kevin Smith, who now rank third and fourth, respectively.
Tyler Warren #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with his teammates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the third 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)
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Allar finished with 171 yards and three touchdowns, while Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 221 yards on 29 carries.
Penn State will now face the winner of No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame Orange bowl on Jan. 9 for a chance at a trip to the national tournament. These two will play in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m
In five playoff games so far, the higher seed has won by double digits each time.
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