Boise State University’s Broncos, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, concluded their regular season with a dominant 12-1 record, sweeping through the Mountain West conference undefeated. Jeanty’s remarkable performance amassed 2,497 rushing yards, securing him the fourth-highest single-season rushing record in college football history. Their sole defeat came at the hands of the top-ranked Oregon Ducks in a closely contested 37-24 away game. This impressive season positioned Boise State as the highest-ranked Group of 5 team, earning them the coveted No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Their playoff journey begins with a quarterfinal clash against the No. 6 seed, Penn State Nittany Lions, in the Fiesta Bowl.
Penn State enters the Fiesta Bowl matchup with a commendable 12-2 record, finishing second in the Big Ten behind Oregon, boasting an 8-1 conference record. Their recent playoff victory against SMU, a decisive 38-10 win, showcases their formidable strength and momentum heading into the quarterfinal. Despite Boise State’s higher seeding, Penn State is currently favored by 11 points, setting the stage for an intriguing and potentially upset-filled contest. The Fiesta Bowl, held in Glendale, Arizona, marks the first of the CFP quarterfinal games.
The CFP quarterfinals commence with the Fiesta Bowl clash between Boise State and Penn State, airing on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT). The remaining CFP schedule unfolds with the Peach Bowl featuring Arizona State versus Texas, the Rose Bowl showcasing Oregon against Ohio State, and the Sugar Bowl pitting Georgia against Notre Dame. Following these quarterfinal matchups, the victorious teams will advance to the semifinals, with the ultimate showdown culminating in the CFP National Championship game on January 20th.
For viewers without traditional cable or satellite television subscriptions, several live TV streaming services offer access to ESPN, ensuring fans don’t miss any of the CFP action. Sling TV presents the most budget-friendly option, with their Sling Orange plan including ESPN for $40 per month in areas without local networks and $45 in areas with local network coverage. FuboTV’s Essential plan provides another avenue to watch ESPN, priced at $80 per month, albeit with a current promotional offer of $45 for the first month. DirecTV Stream also carries ESPN, although pricing details are not explicitly mentioned.
Ashton Jeanty’s exceptional performance has propelled Boise State to national prominence, positioning him as a key player to watch in the Fiesta Bowl and beyond. His record-breaking rushing season, combined with Boise State’s impressive overall record, has generated significant excitement and anticipation for their playoff run. The matchup against Penn State, a team with its own impressive credentials, promises a thrilling and competitive game, with both teams vying for a spot in the CFP semifinals.
The Fiesta Bowl showdown between Boise State and Penn State offers a compelling narrative of contrasting styles and strengths. Boise State’s potent rushing attack, spearheaded by Jeanty, presents a significant challenge for Penn State’s defense. Conversely, Penn State’s balanced offensive approach and strong defensive line will test Boise State’s ability to adapt and overcome. The outcome of this game holds significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations, adding another layer of intrigue to an already exciting matchup. Fans across the country eagerly anticipate this quarterfinal clash, which promises to be a captivating display of collegiate football prowess.
