Takeaways from Penn State winning Fiesta Bowl 31-14 over Boise State

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) reacts after the game against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

GLENDALE – In what looked to be a close battle between two hungry teams eye a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal, No. 6 Penn State’s complimentary football was the story in a 31-14 victory over No. 3 Boise State in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

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Capturing its record-eighth win in Fiesta Bowl history, Drew Allar passed for 171 yards and three touchdowns from 13-of-25 attempts for Penn State (13-2). Kyle Allen led all players with 134 rushing yards off 17 carries while Tyler Warren scored two touchdowns.

Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty was limited to 104 yards and no touchdowns in Boise State’s (12-2) second loss of the year.

Here are the key takeaways from Penn State’s victory in the Fiesta Bowl:

-Making the trip to Glendale, both fanbases showed up and showed out in either white or orange. An hour before the game began, the fans were rowdy and loud as each team took the field for warmups.

-Given an opportunity to get the Broncos on the board early, kicker Jonah Dalmas scuffed the ball way wide of the uprights from 45 yards away. Coming into the game, Dalmas was 5-for-6 (83.3%) from 40 or more yards away this season.

-A strong connection for Penn State, Allar found Warren and Warren did the rest. A 1,000-plus yard tight end this season, Warren caught six passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

-Boise State’s superstar all year long, Jeanty tried to get past Penn State but PSU’s defense was stout. Forcing Jeanty to fumble twice, linebacker Kobe King and defensive end Amin Vanover knocked the ball out of his hands. Jeanty was unable to add to his season total of 30 touchdowns.

-Following a punt by the Broncos, it took just three plays for Penn State to score and extend its lead in the first quarter. Deep in the end zone, Omari Evans received a 38-yard pass from Allar to make it 14-0 Nittany Lions.

-Needing a response in the second quarter, Tyler Crowe struck back with an eight-yard rushing touchdown. Squeezing through the middle of the defensive line of Penn State, Crowe crashed into the end zone with multiple players trying to hold onto him.

-With the chance to advance to the CFP semifinals, both squads locked down on defense and got crucial stops in the first half. Between the two teams, Penn State produced 77 yards of offense while Boise State was limited to 68 in the second quarter.

-Making confusing calls and non-calls, fans from both sides were in disbelief over the officiating which resulted in roars of boos. Between a blatant pass interference on Penn State waved off and a 50-yard rush by Kaytron Allen being called back for holding in the second frame, the supporters let their voices be heard.

-Sending the game into halftime, PSU kicker Ryan Barker gave his team a 10-point lead with a long, 40-yard field goal as the Nittany Lions were up 17-7.

-Not going down without a fight, Boise State stayed in the game courtesy of a wide-open, 53-yard touchdown pass from Madsen to Matt Lauter that got the Broncos within three, 17-14. Lauter picked up four receptions for 96 yards.

-Lifting the Broncos fans onto their feet, Prince Strachan received a 20-yard touchdown pass before the officials spoiled their celebrations by negating it of for a personal foul penalty. After the touchdown was negated, Madson threw an interception on the first drive of the fourth quarter.

-Putting up a valiant effort, Boise State’s hopes of coming back were shattered after letting up a gigantic run by Nicholas Singleton. From midfield, Singleton busted down through multiple Broncos and bolted toward the end zone for a 58-yard score, enlarging the differential to 31-14.

-While he did complete 21-of-31 passes for 291, Madsen threw just one touchdown pass and gave up three interceptions. Struggling to get into a rhythm, he scrambled seven times for minus-three yards, including a game-sealing pick to Tyrece Mills with under four minutes left in the fourth quarter.

-A key area Penn State needed to keep a serious eye on defensively, the Nittany Lions held the electric run game by Boise State to just 108 yards, with 104 coming from Jeanty alone. Falling just 28 rushing yards short of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS record of 2,628, Jeanty finished this year with 2,601.

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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, ASU Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini