Penn State’s Next Challenge: Who Will They Face in the 2025 CFP Semifinals?

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kicked off Tuesday, featuring an exciting matchup between Boise State and Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. The game delivered plenty of action, and in the end, the Nittany Lions emerged victorious with a score of 31-14.

Boise State’s Struggles on the Big Stage

Despite their spirited effort, Boise State faced significant challenges that ultimately hindered their chances of winning. The Broncos had their fair share of mistakes that are simply unacceptable when competing against a powerhouse like Penn State. The statistics tell the story of their struggles:

• Two missed field goals
• A lost fumble in the first quarter
• Three interceptions thrown in the fourth quarter
• 12 penalties for 85 yards

These setbacks proved costly for Boise State, who got off to a slow start, trailing 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Although they managed to score a touchdown early in the third quarter, bringing the game to a tight 17-14, they simply couldn’t find their rhythm and fell short in the end.

Penn State’s Balanced Attack

On the other hand, Penn State showcased a well-rounded performance that highlighted their strengths on both offense and defense. The Nittany Lions’ defense did an impressive job of containing Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty, limiting him to just 104 yards throughout the game.

Offensively, Penn State was firing on all cylinders. Running back Kayton Allen led the rushing attack with 134 yards, while Nicholas Singleton contributed 87 yards and a crucial touchdown. Singleton’s 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the game for the Nittany Lions. Quarterback Drew Allar, despite facing pressure and being sacked four times, threw for 171 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his poise under pressure.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Penn State Face Next?

With their victory in the Fiesta Bowl, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will Penn State play next? The College Football Playoff does not reseed teams, so the Nittany Lions will face the winner of the Sugar Bowl, which features Georgia and Notre Dame. This matchup is particularly intriguing, as none of these four teams have met on the field this season, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal showdown regardless of the outcome.

Upcoming Semifinal Details

Fans can mark their calendars! The College Football Playoff semifinal locations have already been determined. Penn State will take the field again at the Orange Bowl in Miami on January 9. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this playoff saga.

Quarterfinal Recap and Future Matchups

As the quarterfinals continue this week, the playoff picture will become clearer. The Sporting News is closely monitoring the developments, especially regarding who Penn State will face in the next round.

Here’s a quick recap of the quarterfinals so far:

• Fiesta Bowl: Penn State 31, Boise State 14
• Upcoming Matches:
  • Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State
  • Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
  • Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia

Once all four quarterfinal games are completed, the playoff will finalize the matchups for the bowl games, adding even more excitement to the postseason.

College Football Playoff Schedule 2025

For those looking to catch all the action, here’s the complete schedule for the College Football Playoff:

As the excitement of the playoffs continues to build, fans are left wondering: how far can Penn State go? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the road to the championship is heating up!