Penn State passed its first test with flying colors in the first round of the playoffs, smashing SMU 38-10 to advance to the quarterfinals. The oddsmakers like their chances to advance yet again, as the Nittany Lions open as a 10.5-point favorite over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Boise State earned the #3 overall seed in the College Football Playoffs on the strength of a 12-1 season and Mountain West championship. The Broncos only loss came against #1 Oregon, 34-31, when two late return touchdowns by the Ducks helped them narrowly avoid the upset.