3 BOLD Predictions for Penn State Football vs. Boise State | College Football Playoff
Penn State Football and Boise State are set to kick off the second round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff Tuesday night.
With both teams undefeated in the Fiesta Bowl in their respective histories, one of those records will inevitably be broken as the winner advances to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Penn State enters the matchup as a heavy favorite against Boise State, who earned a bye in the first round earlier this month.
However, Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty and the Broncos won’t be an easy hurdle to clear for the Nittany Lions.
Penn State Football vs. Boise State Bold Predictions
Penn State Keeps Ashton Jeanty Out of the End Zone for Only the Second Time This Season
Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty has commanded Penn State’s attention leading up to Tuesday’s game.
The Boise State running back posted historic numbers this season, rushing for an incredible 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns while guiding the Broncos to a 12-1 record, a Mountain West championship, and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Boise ranks sixth nationally in rushing offense, averaging 242.9 yards per game.
Meanwhile, Penn State boasts one of the nation’s top rushing defenses.
The Nittany Lions rank ninth in the FBS in rushing yards allowed per play (3.1) and seventh in total rushing yards allowed per game (100.5). Penn State head coach James Franklin highlighted Jeanty’s exceptional season during his Fiesta Bowl press conference, emphasizing the challenge his team faces.
To limit Jeanty’s impact, Penn State will likely focus on stopping the run and forcing Boise State to beat them through the air.
If the Nittany Lions execute their game plan effectively, they could hold Jeanty out of the end zone for just the second time this season (the first being against Portland State). Expect Penn State to load the box around the goal line, daring the Broncos to rely on their passing game to score.
2. Drew Allar Surpasses 300 Passing Yards for the Third Time This Season
Penn State’s offense had a subdued showing in their first-round win over SMU, with quarterback Drew Allar throwing for just 127 yards and no touchdowns in frigid temperatures.
However, the indoor setting of the Fiesta Bowl removes weather as a factor, giving the Nittany Lions’ passing game a chance to shine.
Boise State’s pass defense ranks a dismal 113th nationally, allowing 256.6 yards per game through the air. On the other hand, Drew Allar has surpassed 3,000 passing yards this season, averaging 215.8 yards per game.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has tailored Penn State’s offensive approach to each opponent, often relying on the team’s potent rushing attack. Against Boise State’s vulnerable secondary, however, the Nittany Lions are likely to lean on Allar’s arm.
Allar has thrown for over 300 yards twice this season (against USC and Kent State), and Boise State’s porous pass defense presents an opportunity for a third 300-yard performance. Look for Allar to rebound and lead Penn State’s aerial attack on Tuesday night.
3. Tyler Warren Scores a Passing, Rushing, and Receiving Touchdown
This bold prediction centers on Penn State’s versatile star, Tyler Warren.
The tight end has been a key weapon in the Nittany Lions’ offense, recording 92 receptions for 1,095 yards and six touchdowns, while also adding four rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown this season. Warren finished seventh in Heisman voting, a testament to his impact.
With a spot in the semifinals on the line, expect Andy Kotelnicki to dig deep into his playbook to maximize Warren’s talents. The departure of backup quarterback Beau Pribula to the transfer portal means Warren could play an even larger role in Penn State’s offensive creativity. Whether it’s throwing, running, or catching, Warren has proven he can do it all.
Kotelnicki’s knack for innovation could lead to a historic performance, with Warren tallying a touchdown in all three phases of offense to help secure Penn State’s victory.
Either Penn State or Boise State will advance to the Orange Bowl and the College Football Playoff semifinal after Tuesday night’s showdown.
While the Nittany Lions are favored, they’ll need a complete effort to avoid the upset and stay on course for their first consensus national championship since 1986. If these bold predictions come true, Penn State may very well punch their ticket to Miami and extend their season for at least one more game.
MORE Penn State Football News from NittanyCentral:
- Grading Penn State’s Recent Transfer Portal Additions
- James Franklin Nabs Potential Game-Changer from Transfer Portal
- Breaking Down Penn State’s QB Depth Chart for College Football Playoff, 2025 Season
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