(6) Penn State outlasted a strong upset attempt from (3) Boise State to win the 2024 Fiesta Bowl 31-14 and move onto the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Running back Nick Singleton broke off a 58-yard touchdown run and tight end Tyler Warren added a pair of touchdown catches to give the Nittany Lions a monster victory and keep the program undefeated (8-0 all time) in the bowl game.
The Nittany Lions focused on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and held him to only 3.5 yards per carry, though he did finish with 104 hard-fought yards. Jeanty ends the year with 2,601 yards rushing — 28 behind the single-season record of 2,628 set by Barry Sanders.
With Jeanty somewhat limited, Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen stepped up and threw for 304 yards and a 53-yard tight end touchdown to Matt Lauter. Ultimately, though, two missed field goals from star kicker Jonah Dalmus kept the score from getting closer than arm’s reach. Madsen also threw for three interceptions, matching his season total, though two came with the game out of hand.
While Penn State stayed ahead, the Nittany Lions played an inconsistent offensive game. At one point, quarterback Drew Allar missed seven consecutive passes as offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki opted not to lean on the successful running game. However, Allar did have a few beauties, including a 38-yard bomb to Omari Evans in the back of the end zone. He also connected with Warren for an 11-yard beauty that was perfectly thrown.
With the win, Penn State now advances to the Orange Bowl where the Nittany Lions await the winner of Notre Dame vs. Georgia, which will take place at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday.
- Boise State’s 14 points were the fewest for the team this season, and the outcome marked the largest deficit for the Broncos on the season.
- Though Jeanty failed to break Barry Sanders’ record, he recorded 100 yards rushing in all 14 of Boise State’s games this season. He also moves into second all-time in single-season rushing yards.
- Tyler Warren’s 98th reception of the season, which came on his second TD of the night, is the new Penn State single-season record, breaking Allen Robinson’s record of 97 in 2013.
CBS Sports was here throughout the evening with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for more takeaways from Penn State’s victory over Boise State.
