Three takeaways from Penn State football’s 31-14 win over Boise State in CFP quarterfinal
Penn State rode a hot start to a 31-14 win over the Boise State Broncos in Tuesday’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal at State Farm Stadium. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty managed just 104 yards on 30 carries, his lowest rushing output of the season.
With the Fiesta Bowl win, the Nittany Lions advance to CFP semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in the Orange Bowl. Here are three takeaways from Tuesday’s playoff victory:
Penn State misses opportunity for early blowout
The Nittany Lions got out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and could have put the game away early, but a comedy of errors allowed the Broncos to get back into the matchup before halftime. The PSU defense had just taken the ball back after Ashton Jeanty fumbled for Boise State, when a botched exchange between quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton gave the Broncos the ball back.
To that point, the Nittany Lions had been driving down the field at will, but the fumble started a cold spell for the offense. Several penalties on ensuing drives and some off-target throws by Allar — after he made two phenomenal throws on the team’s two first-half touchdowns — limited the group to only three points in the second quarter. There was an opportunity for the Nittany Lions to go up by three touchdowns, but the team got in its own way to prevent it while eventually watching its advantage wither to 17-14 in the third quarter. It all worked out in the end for the Nittany Lions but, if given that opportunity again in the future, they can’t afford to loosen their grip like that.
Running game remains most consistent part of PSU offense
For all of the “wow” throws Allar made in the game (and there were plenty), it was running back Kaytron Allen who made the most important plays for the Nittany Lions. Every time they started to fall back toward the Broncos, he would break off a big gain or pick up a crucial first down to keep a drive alive. He even made a Jeanty-like run where he bullied the defense and stayed on his feet despite taking several hits — but that one was called back in the first half thanks to a holding penalty by guard Sal Wormley. Singleton was able to make a few big runs, too, but it was Allen and his consistency that led the way for the offense and allowed it to find consistent success Tuesday night. Allen finished with 134 yards on 17 carries, but his value went even beyond the stat sheet.
Level of competition takes a massive step
The Nittany Lions have won their first two playoff games to earn a spot in the semifinals, but what’s coming next will be the team’s toughest test this postseason. Either the Georgia Bulldogs or Notre Dame Fighting Irish await the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl. Those two teams will face off in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night with the winner heading to Miami. And regardless of who it is, their defense will be significantly better than SMU’s or Boise State’s — defenses Penn State has excelled against to start the playoff.
The Bulldogs face some uncertainty at quarterback with Gunner Stockton replacing Carson Beck after an injury during the SEC title game. The Fighting Irish, meanwhile, feature a strong running game with Jeremiyah Love leading the way. Both teams are legitimate national title contenders and should give Penn State all it can handle.
This story was originally published December 31, 2024 at 9:13 PM with the headline "Three takeaways from Penn State football’s 31-14 win over Boise State in CFP quarterfinal."
