Sports Betting Picks

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Boise State Broncos – Fiesta Bowl Preview – Dec 31, 2024

Penn State and Boise State face off in the Fiesta Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Both teams boast undefeated records in Fiesta Bowl history, with Penn State holding a 7-0 mark and Boise State a perfect 3-0. The Nittany Lions advanced by defeating SMU in the first round, while the Broncos earned a bye as the Mountain West champions.

This is a huge matchup between sixth-seeded Penn State (12-2) and No. 3 seed Boise State (12-1). The Nittany Lions are favored by 11 points, but the Broncos have a history of thriving as underdogs, including their iconic 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma. The game will showcase two powerhouse programs aiming to continue their postseason dominance.

Penn State Preview – Nittany Lions Look to Stay Perfect in Fiesta Bowl

Penn State enters this matchup riding the momentum of a 38-10 win over SMU. Quarterback Drew Allar leads the offense with 2,980 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions on the season. Tight end Tyler Warren, a Mackey Award winner, has been his top target, setting Big Ten records with 92 receptions and 1,095 yards.

The Nittany Lions boast a balanced offensive attack, averaging 201 rushing yards per game behind a strong offensive line. Running back Nicholas Singleton has been key, contributing 1,045 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense, Penn State excels in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, averaging four sacks per game, ranking second nationally.

Coach James Franklin has emphasized the importance of Penn State’s Fiesta Bowl history as motivation. The team’s defensive front will need to neutralize Boise State’s prolific rushing attack, led by Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty, to advance to the semifinals.

Boise State Preview – Broncos Thrive as Underdogs

Boise State enters the Fiesta Bowl after a dominant 21-7 win over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship. Running back Ashton Jeanty is the engine of their offense, finishing second in Heisman voting with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Jeanty is just 132 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.

The Broncos’ offense is complemented by quarterback Taylen Green, who has passed for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 642 yards. Boise State’s defense has been solid, allowing just 21.9 points per game and excelling at forcing turnovers in key moments. However, they face a significant challenge against Penn State’s offensive firepower.

Coach Spencer Danielson has embraced the underdog role, emphasizing the team’s history of proving doubters wrong. For Boise State to pull off the upset, Jeanty and the offensive line must dominate time of possession and limit Penn State’s scoring opportunities.

Betting Prediction

Penn State is an 11-point favorite, with the total set at 53.5 points. The Nittany Lions’ depth and balanced offense give them a clear edge, particularly with Boise State heavily reliant on Ashton Jeanty. However, the Broncos have a knack for performing well in big games, making this spread challenging.

Expect Penn State to control the tempo with its defensive front, keeping Jeanty in check and limiting Boise State’s scoring chances. A final score of 34-20 in favor of Penn State seems likely, covering the spread while pushing the total slightly over.

Pick: Penn State -11, Over 53.5

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