Fiesta Bowl matchup: Physical Penn State faces a Boise State team that boasts a superstar

PHOENIX — The Fiesta Bowl will match Penn State’s vaunted defense against a Boise State offense led by Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy runner-up who is challenging the NCAA rushing record.

A College Football Playoff semifinal berth will be on the line when the Big Ten runner-up takes on the Mountain West champion on New Year’s Eve in Glendale, Ariz. (7:30 p.m., ESPN).

Penn State (12-2) is a double-digit favorite in most sportsbooks, but the Broncos (12-1) have put forth an impressive resumé, losing only to No. 1 Oregon, 37-34.

With 14 seasons as a head coach, Penn State’s James Franklin has a big edge in experience over Boise State’s Spencer Danielson, 36, who is in his first full season at the helm. Danielson said that as a fledgling assistant coach, he was inspired when he heard Franklin speak at a convention for coaches.

Penn State will be one of the more physical teams Boise State has faced, but the Broncos excel at using their athleticism to get into the backfield on defense and generate big plays on offense.

Here is how the teams match up:

Jeanty has rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns and is closing in on the single-season record of 2,628 yards set by Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders in 1988. Penn State’s defense is relishing the challenge of containing him.

“Dude’s a great running back, man,” said Smith Vilbert, Penn State’s sixth-year defensive end. “Got great balance, just got to tackle him. I just worry about Jeanty, that’s the main focus.”

Jeanty is strong after contact but obviously does not do it by himself. Left tackle Kage Casey is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded tackle remaining in the College Football Playoff. Kasey is 6-foot-5, 316 pounds, and has used his size and mobility to pull and set up big plays in the rushing game.

Meanwhile, the Broncos think highly of Penn State’s offensive line as nose tackle Herbert Gums called it the best unit Boise State will have played. The same respect exists for the Nittany Lions’ junior running backs, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

“Big, physical to tackle,” Gums said. “One guy’s not going to take them down. We’ve just got to make sure we wrap up.”

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has passed for 3,021 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with tight end Tyler Warren as his top target. Boise State QB Maddux Madsen doesn’t get much of the limelight but has been consistent and a threat in play action. He has passed for 2,714 yards with 22 touchdowns and three picks.

Just like Jeanty is circled on Penn State’s game plan, junior defensive end Abdul Carter is circled on Boise State’s.

“We’re going to have extra blockers for him on pass plays,” Jeanty said. “We’re ready for him.”

If the Broncos use interior help on Carter, it could leave junior defensive tackle Zane Durant open to feast on Madsen and Jeanty. Durant has been the unsung hero of the Penn State defensive front, manning the three-tech spot with three sacks and 38 tackles.

Jeanty said Durant will give the Broncos a run for their money, noting his ability to shed blocks and generate pressure.

Boise State’s biggest defensive contributor is edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan, who leads the team with 10 sacks. Overall, the Broncos are a blitz-heavy team, totaling 51 sacks this season — second in the country — and getting their defensive backs involved often.

“They’re explosive,” said Nick Dawkins, Penn State’s fifth-year center. “They have a good, good motor.”

The unit has the ability to generate turnovers, too, forcing 13 fumbles this season. Against common opponent Oregon, Boise State allowed 102 rushing yards and 243 passing yards. (Penn State allowed 186 rushing yards and 283 passing yards against the Ducks.)

Against Oregon, Boise State held receiver Tez Johnson (the MVP of the Big Ten championship against Penn State) to three catches for minus-1 yard.