Penn State was able to run over SMU from the start in round one and the Nittany Lions are now three games away from winning a National Championship.

Could this be the year that James Franklin shows his worth as a head coach?

It continues on New Year’s Eve against Boise State.

• Who: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 3 Boise State
• What: 2024 Fiesta Bowl – College Football Playoffs Quarterfinals
• When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
• Where: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ
• Line: Penn State -11 (-452), Boise State +11 (+347), Over/Under 53

Why Penn State will win?

There are many strong running back duos in the country. This has become a trend in the transfer portal as teams like to pair backs to keep them fresh. Penn State is near the top of the list with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

Singleton and Allen combined for 160 yards and three touchdowns in a route against SMU in round one. This is a dangerous backfield that can help the Nittany Lions control the football. Drew Allar has impressed during his junior year and will be back to lead Penn State once again in 2025. Before we get there, Allar is backed by an elite defense.

The Nittany Lions have looked like one of the nation’s best defensive units. They are allowing just 15.9 points per game this season. It was the defense that took control, led by two pick sixes, in the first game of the tournament.

Boise State has the best running back in the country on the other side. The defense for Penn State will have to be the reason this team wins the game.

Why Boise State will win?

Boise State has been one of the hottest teams in the country, currently on a 10-game winning streak.

Penn State has a strong defense but has allowed certain backs to get comfortable on the ground. Ashton Jeanty is the top runner in the country and consistently puts up 150+ yards on the ground. He will be the focal point of the attack once again on Tuesday night.

Jeanty had a massive game with 192 yards and three scores against Oregon earlier in the season. He has performed well under pressure, rushing got 209 yards and a score in the Mountain West Championship Game.

Jeanty will be the reason the Broncos win this game — he will not be the reason they lose. Boise State will need Jeanty to get comfortable on the ground and help the offense extend drives, keeping Allar and that two-headed monster in the backfield on the sideline.