The Boise State Broncos came into the College Football Playoff as underdogs, with many questioning if they truly belonged among the final eight teams. But despite falling 31-14 to the Penn State Nittany Lions in a hard-fought Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, head coach Spencer Danielson believes his squad proved the doubters wrong.
“A lot of people counted us out and we were a couple plays away from winning,” Danielson said after the game. “That’s football, though. We could lose to anybody in the country. But I also believe we could beat anybody in the country.”
Broncos Battle Back After Slow Start
It looked like it might be a long day for Boise State early on, as Penn State raced out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. But the Broncos showed their resilience, battling back to cut the deficit to 17-14 early in the third quarter.
Boise State actually outgained Penn State in total yards, 412 to 387. But a few too many mistakes, including three interceptions by quarterback Maddux Madsen and two fumbles by star running back Ashton Jeanty, one of which was lost, ultimately doomed the Broncos.
“Yes, we didn’t execute. We lost the game. That is what it is but watch our team,”
– Spencer Danielson on his team’s performance
Jeanty Contained, Passing Game Steps Up
Jeanty, who came into the game as the nation’s leading rusher, was largely bottled up by a stout Penn State front seven. The star sophomore was held to a season-low 104 yards on the ground.
With Jeanty neutralized, Boise State turned to the passing game to move the ball. Madsen completed 23 of 35 passes for 304 yards, spreading the ball around to his playmakers on the outside.
Proving They Belonged
Coach Danielson lauded his team’s effort to roll off 11 straight wins after an opening week loss, culminating in back-to-back Mountain West titles. He believes that resume warranted Boise State’s selection to the CFP.
- Went 11-1 in the regular season
- Won second straight MWC title
- Lone loss on last-second FG at Oregon
“Everybody knew how to make the playoffs to start the season. There was no gray area. We’ve been in playoff mentality since September,”
– Danielson on his team earning their CFP spot
While the result wasn’t what they wanted, Boise State walks away from the Fiesta Bowl with their heads held high. They stood toe-to-toe with a college football blue blood and proved they can compete with the sport’s elite.
Now, Danielson and the Broncos will look to reload and make another run at a Mountain West title and CFP berth in 2025. With a young core led by Jeanty and Madsen, Boise State’s future remains bright.
