Like many, I've been dismissive of the Broncos chances against the Nittany Lions.
But maybe they deserve a bit more credit for their early season loss to Oregon? While Penn State lost at home by 7 to Ohio State (being outscored 20-3 over the last 50 mins of the game), Boise State went on the road and went toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country, losing by 3 on the last play of the game.
Boise outgained the Ducks, led at halftime (20-14) and 34-27 with 10 mins remaining. Oregon did have two turnovers, but they also had both an 85yd punt return for a TD and a 99yd KOR for a TD (recovering their own fumble in the endzone). There were 5 lead changes in the game, truly a back and forth affair.
They haven't played anyone since then, and did have close games with conference foes Wyoming and Nevada (similarly, PSU struggled with Minnesota and USC).
I've no doubt that PSU has the deeper talent throughout their roster. And maybe they just shut down Jeanty and bully the Broncos' D.
Or maybe Penn State isn't quite as strong away from Happy Valley, a pro-Boise crowd shows up in Tempe, and James Franklin realizes Boise is a top-10 team 🤔
But maybe they deserve a bit more credit for their early season loss to Oregon? While Penn State lost at home by 7 to Ohio State (being outscored 20-3 over the last 50 mins of the game), Boise State went on the road and went toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country, losing by 3 on the last play of the game.
Boise outgained the Ducks, led at halftime (20-14) and 34-27 with 10 mins remaining. Oregon did have two turnovers, but they also had both an 85yd punt return for a TD and a 99yd KOR for a TD (recovering their own fumble in the endzone). There were 5 lead changes in the game, truly a back and forth affair.
They haven't played anyone since then, and did have close games with conference foes Wyoming and Nevada (similarly, PSU struggled with Minnesota and USC).
I've no doubt that PSU has the deeper talent throughout their roster. And maybe they just shut down Jeanty and bully the Broncos' D.
Or maybe Penn State isn't quite as strong away from Happy Valley, a pro-Boise crowd shows up in Tempe, and James Franklin realizes Boise is a top-10 team 🤔
