Well folks, it’s party time. All that anxiety pumping in your bloodstream for weeks might have actually been worth something after all.
Game Facts
- Date: Tomorrow, December 31st @5:30 PM MST
- Location: StateFarm Stadium (Glendale, AZ)
- Weather at kickoff: Probably like 70
- Moon Phase: New Moon (Technically new moon is the 30th but this feels thematically appropriate)
- Odds: Penn State by 11
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
- Commentators: Bob Wischusen (Play-by-play), Louis Riddick (Analyst), Kris Budden (Sideline), Tom Luginbil (Sideline)
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1. Broncos Love Fiesta’s
Nothing goes together better than Boise State and the Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos saw their biggest victory that would propel their success in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl when they beat Oklahoma 43-42. The Broncos also have won 2 more since that historic game, when in 2010 they beat TCU 17-10 and in 2014 when they played Arizona and won 38-30.
2. Unstoppable force vs. Immovable object
Both teams going into this game are undefeated in the Fiesta Bowl, with Penn State being 7-0 and Boise State being 3-0 we will see one of these records with a 1 when this game hits 0:00.
3. Chasing Barry
Despite losing the closest Heisman race since 2009 to Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty has a chance to break a record that has held for 36 years—that of course being Barry Sanders’ 1988 single-season rushing record of 2,628. Jeanty currently sits at 2,497 yards needing 131 to tie the record, and 132 to beat the record.
4. 25 Days
The last time we saw this team was 25 days ago, when the goalposts ended up in the freezing cold Boise river following a 21-7 MW Championship win over UNLV. Following Nearly a month without Bronco football, we will now see them in what is probably the biggest game in school history.
5. The Greatest Game of All Time
Streaks
Boise State – Won 11
Penn State – Won 1
Best Name On Their Roster
Karson Kiesewetter, S
Intuition tells me that this translates to something like fly-swatter, although ChatGPT helpfully suggested it could be closer to “gravel storm” in German. As they say, don’t mess with gravel storms? Also, bonus points for alliteration.
Best Picture On Their Roster
Elliot Washington II, DB
So mysterious. Elliot, what hide ye behind your dreadlocks?
Players To Watch
Tyler Warren, TE
The Mackey award winning TE has been a production machine this season, putting up 1,095 and 6 TDs through the air along with 197 and 4 TDs on the ground. Warren has been the key point of the Penn State offense and the Broncos will have their hands full with defending him.
Abdul Carter, DE
The unanimous all-american DE has been an absolute force for the Nittany Lions defense. A player who has probably been the best DE in the country has 11 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick on the season. He will face another unanimous all-american on the Broncos offense in Ashton Jeanty, which will be a matchup that everyone will want to pay attention to.
Drew Allar, QB
Boise State has seen its fair share of good dual-threat QBs this season, and that will not change in this game. The junior QB has put up 21 TDs in the air and added 6 more on the ground. Can the Broncos bring the heat and get pressure on him throughout the course of the game? Time will tell.
Keys to Victory
Mistake-Free Football
SMU essentially handed the game to Penn State in the opening round. A true smorgasbord of turnovers of every variety, including two pick-sixes to open the scoring. Madsen and Co. must take care of the ball to give us a chance (and this also includes catching said ball).
Pressure, Please
I was very enthused by the play of the corners against UNLV. That said, the defense train runs on getting pressure to the QB. We did it against UNLV last time out, and we did it against Oregon. If we can’t make that happen, it will be a long day of probably 15 yard passes to Tyler Warren.
Poise
As much as I would love a true out-of-the-blue blowout, I expect a close game. And if 2 of the 3 Fiesta Bowls are any indication, I expect that even if we open to a lead, it’ll will probably come down to the wire. To win this game, the Broncos will need to make the big play when the lights are bright. It’s what has always separated good teams from great teams.
Score Prediction
Against Oregon, my prediction was little more than a wish. This time around, I do believe the Broncos can win, but it won’t be easy. Is there still some pixie dust left in the tank? I sure hope so. I say Jeanty will be Jeanty, and some surprising play from the defense gives the Broncos just enough to advance to the Semis.
Good Guys 31, Penn State 27
Let’s roll!
GAME DAY!
The biggest day and moment in Bronco Nation history has arrived.
I can’t wait!!!!!!!! GO BRONCOS!!!!! WE ARE ACTUALLY PLAYING FOR A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
I’m more than a little anxious about this one. With this much time off in between games, how much sharpness has dulled a little? I’ve never been a fan of long layoffs. I’m expecting a close game as well, maybe 24-21.
GO BRONCOS!!
My prediction for this game is that Ashton Jeanty has a mountain sized chip on his shoulder. He has a lot to prove and will play with his hair on fire. He has no disrespect towards PSU, but they are in the crosshairs of one of, if not, the greatest running performances ever seen in a Fiesta Bowl. PSU, just so happens to be the unlucky dogs (or in this case Lion’s) he’s gonna kick. I see AJ scoring 3 maybe 4 running TD’S and Madsen throwing for another 2. I don’t think PSU knows what they are about to… Read more »
So far, BSU looks like they don’t belong. Play calling sucks and both lines look terrible.
Coaches need to adjust and do it quickly.
I’m pulling my hair out!
TD Crowe!!!!
Looking better keep it up.
🥔Sack!
D is really stepping up.
We are definitely looking better, 2.5 more quarters
I’ve seen you’ve posted a few times but, welcome or welcome back.
SEC officals suck. That was the most blatant PI ever!
I really wish we had gone for it on the 1st 4th down of the game instead of kick. Woulda coulda shoulda’s. Might be a different game though.
Couldn’t agree more, but Kotter is Mr Vanilla.
I tend to agree. I’m cautious about questioning authority (Koetter); however, not doing so can lead to absolute rule. I thought there were some things he could do to spread out the Penn State defense and expose their overexuberance to the Jeanty run game. Certainly, we all appreciate Koetter’s contribution to the program over the last few years. They should name a building after him at BSU. However, the program has been built on fresh faces and ideas.
3 and out is YUGE!!!!
LAUTER TD!!!!!!
And that’s another🥔sack!
Well darn.
Need to answer with another TD.
I belive! But signing off for tonight to watch the game! Goooooo Broncos!
Can Kotter not see what is happening to Jeanty? Call someone else’s freaking number already!
Well that INT sucked…
Unbelievable miss!
That just may be the game🙁
That sucks. That’s all she wrote folks
It was fun while it lasted, but BSU was not ready for thr prime time tonight.
See ya next year.
I don’t know, Bob. Two missed FGs, a TD called back, and an offensive pass interference that was not called —yeah, that’s all part of the game, but it could have changed everything. But I get your point.
Boise was ready, but the key is to use this fuel for the fire in Spring & Summer.
Labor Day weekend in Tampa will be fun! Let’s show up at the beach, Broncos!!!!