One was the resilient, conference-champion team that lifted itself into the College Football Playoff with determination, a standout season powered by star running back Ashton Jeanty, and a legacy of excellence among Group of 5 programs. The other was a team outmatched, overwhelmed, and undone by mistakes in a 31-14 loss to Penn State.
For Broncos fans, the result was bittersweet. Boise State’s improbable run to the CFP quarterfinals deserves celebration, but the loss also underscored the challenges of competing at the highest level against a deeper, more talented team.
Penn State, the Big Ten runner-up and No. 6 seed, controlled the game from start to finish, capitalizing on Boise State’s four turnovers and 13 penalties. While the Broncos showed flashes of brilliance—outgaining the Nittany Lions 412 yards to 387—they struggled to execute when it mattered most.
“I’m so proud of this team,” said Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson. “Tonight didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but the legacy they’ve re-established for Boise football is something that can never be taken away.”
A flawed system on display
For the broader college football world, the game highlighted a glaring issue with the expanded playoff format. Under the current system, the four highest-ranked conference champions receive top seeds and byes, regardless of their overall national ranking. This setup propelled No. 9 Boise State to the No. 3 seed after winning the Mountain West title, creating a bracket where Penn State, ranked No. 6, was the lower-seeded team despite being favored by 11.5 points.
The result? A matchup that felt unbalanced from the start and a path to the semifinals that appeared easier for Penn State than for top-seeded Oregon or No. 2 Georgia, each of whom faces tougher matchups.
Critics of the system have long warned of such scenarios, but the Fiesta Bowl brought those concerns into sharp focus. The Broncos’ loss will likely accelerate calls for a revision to the seeding process, with many insiders expecting changes as soon as next season.
Boise State’s uphill battle
Boise State’s Cinderella story was one of the highlights of the 2024 season. The team defied expectations, finishing with 12 wins and a conference title. Jeanty, the Broncos’ star running back, came within 27 yards of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record but was held to his lowest output of the year against Penn State.
Despite their accomplishments, the Broncos struggled under the weight of the moment. Costly mistakes—four turnovers and nearly 100 yards in penalties—proved too much to overcome.
“We didn’t execute the way we needed to, to win a heavyweight fight like this,” Danielson admitted.
Penn State, on the other hand, benefited from its battle-tested roster. “I think the Big Ten prepared our guys,” said Penn State head coach James Franklin. “Boise is a really good football team, but we weren’t taking them lightly. Our maturity showed tonight.”
For Boise State, the loss was not an indictment of their season. Instead, it was a testament to the challenges of competing against programs with more resources and depth.
A memorable but complicated legacy
Boise State’s playoff run is a reminder of why the expanded format exists: to give underdog teams a shot at the national title. The Broncos’ journey inspired fans and reinforced the value of inclusion in college football’s biggest stage.
“We didn’t make the bye rules,” said offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. “I’m smart enough to realize we may not be the third-best team, but we definitely deserved to be there.”
While the loss highlighted the imperfections of the current system, it also showcased the promise of expanded playoffs. The path to the title is now broader, allowing teams like Boise State to compete alongside perennial powerhouses.
Still, the Fiesta Bowl served as a stark reminder of the challenges that smaller programs face. Boise State’s performance, while admirable, will likely lead to adjustments in how conference champions are seeded moving forward.
Looking ahead
As the clock struck midnight and 2025 began, Boise State’s season came to a close. The Broncos may not have pulled off the upset, but they earned their place in college football history.
The expanded playoff format has brought new energy to the sport, but it’s clear that adjustments are needed to ensure fairness and balance. Boise State’s journey was both a triumph and a cautionary tale—a reminder of the sport’s possibilities and its imperfections.
For now, the Broncos can take pride in their role as trailblazers. They showed what’s possible for Group of 5 teams while also highlighting the work that remains to make the playoff system truly equitable. The next time Boise State reaches this stage, the rules may look different, but the heart and determination of the program will remain the same.
