Penn State vs. Boise State: Predictions, odds and how to watch Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
The College Football Playoff is heating up as we head into the quarterfinals, featuring an exciting matchup set to kickoff in hours. The Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face the No. 3 seeded Boise State Broncos in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
The Broncos had an impressive regular season, finishing with a 12-1 record. Their powerful offense established them as one of the top teams in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Sophomore quarterback Maddux Madsen led Boise State with a 62% completion rate, throwing for 2,714 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Additionally, he contributed to the team's success with 224 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Boise State also features Heisman finalist running back Ashton Jeanty, who finished second in the voting after a remarkable season. Jeanty rushed for 2,497 yards and scored 29 touchdowns, putting him just 132 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record, which he could potentially achieve in the upcoming matchup against Penn State.
The Nittany Lions easily advanced past the first round of the College Football Playoff, securing a dominant 38-10 victory over SMU at home in Happy Valley. Junior quarterback Drew Allar will continue to lead the offense following an impressive regular season, in which he achieved a completion rate of 68.5%, throwing for 3,021 yards, with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Allar also showcased his explosiveness on the ground, rushing for 289 yards and scoring six touchdowns this season.
As we eagerly await the kickoff at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, here's everything you need to know about the upcoming CFP quarterfinal matchup.
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Vrbo Fiesta Bowl predictions: Penn State vs. Boise State
Paste BN: Penn State over No. 3 Boise State
Paul Myerberg writes: "Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty will enter the quarterfinals 131 yards shy of Barry Sanders’ single-season record of 2,628 rushing yards. He’ll face a brick wall in Penn State, which ranks ninth in yards allowed on the ground per game and third in rushing touchdowns allowed. Any chance the Broncos have of advancing to the semifinals demands another big game from Jeanty, and it’s hard to say for certain he’ll find creases against the Nittany Lions’ front. If Penn State can slow him down, that would put all the pressure Boise State quarterback Maddux Madden and his receivers to execute at a level not been seen this season."
ESPN: Penn State 35, Boise State 31
Adam Rittenberg writes: "The teams will trade scores most of the way, but Penn State quarterback Drew Allar delivers two late touchdown passes, the last to All-America tight end Tyler Warren. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki channels former Boise State coach Chris Petersen and makes the playcalls that will leave everyone buzzing as the Lions march on to the national semifinals."
NBC Sports: Boise State
Eric Froton writes: “Boise State has scored 20+ points in every game this season with the exception of a 17-13 land war against Wyoming. Penn State has allowed 20+ points five times this season to teams such as Oregon, Minnesota, Ohio State, USC and Bowling Green. I think Boise State can generate enough offense to clear their 19.5 points team total line.”
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Vrbo Fiesta Bowl odds, lines: Penn State vs. Boise State
The Penn State Nittany Lions are favorites to defeat the Boise State Broncos, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of afternoon on Monday, Dec. 30.
- Spread: Penn State (-11)
- Moneylines: Penn State (-450); Boise State (+350)
- Over/under: 53.5
How to watch Penn State vs. Boise State in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, AZ)
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