Penn State put on a dominant performance in their 38-10 victory over SMU in the College Football Playoff opening round. The defense stole the show with two interception returns for touchdowns and setting up a short field for another score just before halftime, giving the Nittany Lions a comfortable 28-0 lead going into the break. They now move on to face Boise State in the quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl.
With a strong defense leading the way, Penn State is looking like a favorite to advance further in the playoffs and contend for their first national championship since 1986. However, the offense will need to step up, especially quarterback Drew Allar, in upcoming matchups against tough teams like Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Texas.
Boise State’s strategy for an upset hinges on feeding the ball to star running back Ashton Jeanty, who had an outstanding season finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting. Penn State’s defense will need to contain Jeanty, who has been a force on the ground all season.
Key matchups to watch in the Fiesta Bowl include Penn State’s defense against Jeanty’s rushing attack and how Boise State plans to limit Allar’s impact on the game. Allar has shown flashes of talent but needs to improve his recent performances for Penn State to continue their playoff run. The Nittany Lions’ pass rush will also be a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of the game, as they look to pressure Boise State’s offense.
Abdul Carter, a formidable figure, has the potential to pose a significant challenge for Boise State’s quarterback, Maddux Madsen. However, Boise State has demonstrated a remarkable ability in this aspect, currently sharing the top spot with Ohio State among all playoff contenders by allowing just 12 sacks.
