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Join Telegram ChannelIn its first College Football Playoff, Penn State is now one win away from the big ball.
The third-seeded Nittany Lions defeated 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 hot start, blocking a Boise State field goal and turning it into a touchdown. Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Drew Allar found Omari Evans on a long touchdown run to make it 14-0. The Broncos added a touchdown before halftime, and both offenses were at a standstill for a while. Penn State added a field goal just before the end of the half, but on its first drive of the second half, Boise State found the end zone with a 53-yard catch and run by Matt Lauter.
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Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Boise State Broncos during the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Penn State clicked again, however, as they went on an 11-play drive and drove 75 yards, with Allar finding Tyler Warren for the tight end's second touchdown and regaining a 10-point lead. Maddux Madsen then threw a pick, then, despite a forced three-and-out, Boise State missed another field goal.
The Lions took advantage and seven plays later led 31-14 with 4:54 left after Nicholas Singleton rushed for a 58-yard touchdown. In a miracle effort, Madsen threw another interception, nearly icing 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 during the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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The Nittany Lions offense contained Ashton Jeanty all night — sure, 108 yards is great, but it was the lowest total of the season for the Heisman Trophy finalist, while fumbling twice and losing one. Thus, his pursuit of Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record fell short by just 24 yards. Entering Tuesday, Jeanty had rushed for at least 127 yards in every game this year.
Jeanty's 2,605 yards this season, however, are now the second-most in a single season, as he passed 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 during 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 passing yards and his 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 in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 for a chance to compete in the national championship. 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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