Penn State routs Boise State to advance to CFP semifinal; Ashton Jeanty comes up short of rushing record

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

In its first College Football Playoff, Penn State is now one win away from going to the big dance.

The third-seeded Nittany Lions shut down No. 6 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, 31-14, on New Year's Eve to advance to the semifinals.

The Nittany Lions got off to a red-hot start, blocking a Boise State field goal and turning it into a touchdown. Then, after forcing a three-and-out, Drew Allar found Omari Evans on a long touchdown to make it 14-0. The Broncos would add a touchdown before the half, and both offenses stalled for a while. Penn State added a field goal just before the half ended, but on their first drive of the second half, Boise State found the end zone again with a 53-yard catch and run by Matt Lauter.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Nicholas Singleton #10 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates his touchdown run with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Boise State Broncos in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.  (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Penn State clicked again, though, as they went on an 11-play drive and going 75 yards, with Allar finding Tyler Warren for the tight end's second touchdown and regaining a 10-point lead. Maddux Madsen then threw a pick, and then, despite forcing a three-and-out, Boise State missed another field goal.

The Lions took advantage, and seven plays later, they led 31-14 with 4:54 to go after Nicholas Singleton scampered for a 58-yard touchdown. In the effort of a miracle, Madsen threw another interception, all but icing the ball game.

Omari Evans #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after