One was the resilient, conference-champion team that stormed into the College Football Playoff with determination, a breakout season fueled by star running back Ashton Jeanty, and a legacy of excellence among Group of 5 programs. The other was a team outmatched, overwhelmed and wracked by mistakes in a 31-14 loss to Penn State.
For Broncos fans, the outcome was bittersweet. Boise State's improbable run to the CFP quarterfinals deserves to be celebrated, but the loss also underscored the challenge of competing at the highest level against a stronger, more talented team.
Penn State, the Big Ten's 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,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “Tonight didn't go the way we wanted, but the legacy they 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 problem 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 pushed No. 9 Boise State to the No. 3 seed after winning the Mountain West title, creating a bracket in which Penn State, ranked No. 6, was the lowest-seeded team despite being favored by 11.5 points.
The result? A matchup that seemed lopsided from the start and a path to the semifinals that seemed easier for Penn State than for No. 1 seed Oregon or Georgia. 2, each of which faces more difficult encounters.
Critics of the system have long warned of such scenarios, but the Fiesta Bowl brought those concerns into sharper focus. The loss of the Broncos will likely accelerate calls for an overhaul of the seeding process, with many industry insiders expecting changes as early as next season.
Boise State's Tough 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 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 penalty yards — 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, has benefited from its battle-tested roster. “I think the Big Ten prepared our guys,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “Boise is a great football team, but we didn't take it lightly. Our maturity was shown tonight.”
For Boise State, the loss was not an indictment of their season. Instead, it was a testament to the challenges of competing with programs with greater 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 chance at the national title. The Broncos' journey inspired fans and reinforced the value of inclusion on college football's biggest stage.
“We haven't set the bye rules,” offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “I'm smart enough to realize we may not be the third best team, but we definitely deserved to be there.”
While the defeat highlighted the imperfections of the current system, it also showed the promise of expanded playoffs. The path to the title is now broader, allowing teams like Boise State to compete alongside perennial powers.
However, the Fiesta Bowl served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing smaller programs. Boise State's performance, while admirable, will likely lead to adjustments in how the conference champions are seeded moving forward.
Looking ahead
When the clock struck midnight and 2025 began, Boise State's season came to an end. The Broncos may not have made it, but they earned a 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 pioneering role. They showed what is possible for Group of 5 teams, while also highlighting the work that remains to be done to make the playoff system truly fair. 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.
