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In his first College Football Playoff appearance, Pension state now one win away from participating in the big dances.
The third-seeded Nittany Lions pulled off a shutout 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 red-hot start, blocking a Boise State field goal and turning it into a touchdown. Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Drew Allar found Amari Evans for a long touchdown to make it 14-0. The Broncos would add a touchdown before halftime, and both offenses stalled for a while. Penn State added a field goal just before halftime, 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 Lawter.
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Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his touchdown with teammates in 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 Peterson/Getty Images)
However, Penn State pressed again as they went on an 11-play drive and went 75 yards, with Aller finding tight end Tyler Warren for the second touchdown to restore the lead to 10 points. Maddux Madsen then threw a pick and then, despite forcing a three-and-out, Boise State missed another field goal.
The Lions took advantage and took a 31-14 lead seven plays later with 4:54 left on a 58-yard touchdown run by Nicholas Singleton. After a miracle, Madsen made another interception, almost without making a brighter play.
Amari Evans #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in 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 Peterson/Getty Images)
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The Nittany Lions’ offense held Ashton Gianta all night — sure, 108 yards is very good, but it was the lowest rushing total of a Heisman Trophy-winning season. Thus, his pursuit of Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record was just 24 yards short. Starting Tuesday, Gianti had rushed for at least 127 yards in every game this year.
However, Gianta’s 2,605 yards in a season are now the second-most in a single season, as he passed Melvin Gordon and Kevin Smith, who are now tied for third and fourth, respectively.
Tyler Warren #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass in 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 Peterson/Getty Images)
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Allar finished with 171 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Keitron 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 January 9 for a chance to travel to the national championship. The two will play in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m
In five playoff games so far, the higher-seeded team has won by double digits each time.
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