Penn State Turns Fiesta Bowl into Siesta for Boise State

Penn State Turns Fiesta Bowl into Siesta for Boise State

4 minute read
Published: 1/1/2025

In a showdown that had Boise State fans questioning their quarterback's decision-making ability, Penn State triumphed 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl, advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals with Drew Allar at the helm.

The Nittany Lions showcased their dominance, with Drew Allar throwing three touchdown passes and Nicholas Singleton adding a 58-yard touchdown run, while Boise State's Maddux Madsen threw three interceptions, leaving fans wondering if his decision-making came from a blindfolded game of Tic-Tac-Toe. With this victory, Penn State not only secured a spot in the semifinals but also showcased the Big Ten's growing prestige in college football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next game against either Georgia or Notre Dame.

In the grand fiesta of football, it would appear that Penn State had the maracas and sliders while Boise State was left fumbling with the piñata. The Nittany Lions' rushing attack was nothing short of formidable, gaining a combined 216 yards on 41 carries. This effort allowed them to control the line of scrimmage efficiently—a feat that left the Broncos scratching their helmets in confusion as their attempts to establish a running game were stuffed faster than a turkey on Thanksgiving.

Boise State’s famed Heisman Trophy runner-up, Ashton Jeanty, had hoped to end his season on a high note but was instead greeted with the grim reality of being held to a mere 104 yards on 30 carries. It seemed as if Penn State's linebackers were serving Jeanty's aspirations of glory on a platter, complete with a side of mashed potatoes. His struggles on the field left him a disheartening 27 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders' iconic single-season rushing record, a statistic that won’t soon be forgotten—if only for the sad trombone that could follow it.

Yet, it wasn't just the ground game that cemented the Nittany Lions' victory. Drew Allar's icy precision was on full display as he threw three touchdown passes, effortlessly piercing through the Boise State secondary. One can only imagine the looks on the faces of the Broncos as Allar connected with his receivers, all the while pondering what they could have done with better coverage. By the end of the game, it became clear that Allar’s work was a major factor in turning the Fiesta Bowl into a well-orchestrated parade rather than a tussle.

While Allar was dialing in his passes, Maddux Madsen of Boise State appeared to be using an entirely different area code altogether. His three interceptions during the game could surely be classified as a masterclass in what not to do, effectively making him the leading contributor to his team’s demise. Throwing picks is one thing, but missing field goals took it to a whole different level—one that would make any fan reconsider their weekend plans. Madsen’s misfires might even inspire a future study on the correlation between field goal misses and regret.

The aftermath of this football fiesta rippled far beyond Texas. With this victory, Penn State further solidified the Big Ten Conference's supremacy in the world of college football. It’s a statement that comes alongside their previous win against SMU, which seems to imply that the Big Ten is not only here to play but to make some serious noise. Football fans in the conference are already sharpening their pencils for the next trivia night, where they can proudly declare their allegiance, citing recent victories.

Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions are set to face either No. 2 Georgia or No. 7 Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on January 9. Whichever team they encounter will have to prepare for a Penn State squad riding high on confidence after the Fiesta Bowl win. A fun mix of anticipation and anxiety will surely ensue for fans as they hope their team continues to roll rather than fumble back to square one.

In hindsight, the Fiesta Bowl stands as a reminder that sometimes, in the grand theater of college football, it’s not just about the trophies. Sometimes it’s about showcasing what it means to take a field with purpose, about planting seeds of doubt in your opponent, and about delivering well-thrown passes while your opposing quarterback seems confused about his own team’s colors. For Penn State, this victory serves as yet another chapter in what may evolve into a storybook season, leaving us with one final question: will they write the next chapter against a team used to holding orange bowls, or one adorned in gold and blue? Stay tuned.