The final college football game of 2024 will determine the first semifinal participant in the College Football Playoff.
Date: Dec. 31 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN | Line: Penn State -11 | Total: 54
The Nittany Lions dominated SMU in the first round of the playoff with three first-half interceptions, two of them returned for touchdowns. The Broncos are the Mountain West Conference champions and enter the game on an 11-game win streak. Their only loss of the season came to Oregon in Week 2.
It’s unlikely that Boise State is going to turn the ball over like SMU did in the first round, but it still has a tall task in moving the ball against PSU. The Nittany Lions have allowed just 1,405 rushing yards all season and opponents are averaging 3.1 yards a carry. Boise State averages 6.8 yards a carry as a team. It’s trite to say that slowing down Jeanty is imperative for Penn State, but it’s also the truth. Maddux Madsen has played well in 2024, but forcing him to win the game is Penn State’s best option.
Live11 updates
PSU nearing red zone
The Nittany Lions are moving the ball with ease on the ground during their first drive of the game. A long Kaytron Allen run has them on the edge of the red zone.
PSU blocks BSU field goal
Boise State’s drive fizzled out just inside the 30-yard line and kicker Jonah Dalmas’ 45-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
Boise State on the march
The Broncos are out over midfield already after two quick first downs. Penn State is stacking the box in an effort to slow down star RB Ashton Jeanty and QB Maddux Madsen is finding his mark downfield.
Boise State will start with the ball
We are underway in the Fiesta Bowl!
An unfortunate moment as the Boise State team ran onto the field:
What the College Football Playoff bracket looks like
College Football Playoff players to watch, key to the Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 3 Boise State
Viewer’s guide to the new College Football Playoff
Four Verts, CFP edition: NFL Draft’s best overall prospect might be Ashton Jeanty, plus under-the-radar players
Good evening folks and welcome to our live tracker for the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Boise State and Penn State!
We still have about 45 minutes until kickoff, so here’s some light reading material to get you ready for the action.