Tyler Warren emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Nittany Lions, hauling in two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Penn State's defense delivered a stellar performance, holding Boise State's star running back Ashton Jeanty to a season-low 104 yards on 30 carries.
Despite the loss, Jeanty concluded the season with an impressive 2,601 rushing yards, narrowly missing Barry Sanders' 1988 FBS record of 2,628 yards. However, Jeanty's performance was marred by two fumbles, one of which was lost, proving costly for Boise State.
With this victory, Penn State (13-2) advances to the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 9th. They await the winner of the Sugar Bowl matchup between second-seeded Georgia and seventh-seeded Notre Dame.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar delivered an efficient performance, completing 13 of 25 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Kaytron Allen provided a strong rushing attack with 134 yards on 17 carries. Nicholas Singleton sealed the win for the Nittany Lions with a 58-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Michigan Edges Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl
In a hard-fought ReliaQuest Bowl contest in Tampa, Michigan overcame a late surge by Alabama to secure a 19-13 victory. Kicker Dominic Zvada was instrumental in the win, converting four field goals. Quarterback Davis Warren connected for a touchdown pass before exiting the game with a knee injury.
Michigan (8-5) capitalized on three Alabama turnovers in the first quarter to build a commanding lead, ultimately securing their third consecutive win.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled to find his rhythm, completing 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Milroe was also limited to just seven rushing yards on 16 attempts and was plagued by turnovers in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide's rushing attack was stifled, managing only 68 yards.
Illinois Upsets South Carolina in Citrus Bowl
Illinois pulled off a thrilling upset in the Citrus Bowl, defeating South Carolina 21-17. Running back Josh McCray was the star for the Fighting Illini, rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score with just over seven minutes remaining.
Luke Altmyer completed 13 of 22 passes for 174 yards, one touchdown, and one interception for Illinois. Gabe Jacas anchored the Illini defense with three tackles for loss. With the victory, Illinois (10-3) achieved its first 10-win season since 2001 and secured its first-ever win against an SEC opponent.
South Carolina (9-4) saw its six-game winning streak snapped despite a strong performance from redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who completed 24 of 34 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown.
LSU Overpowers Baylor in Texas Bowl
LSU's potent offense proved too much for Baylor in a 44-31 victory in the Texas Bowl. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was exceptional, throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns.
Nussmeier connected with Trey'Dez Green for two touchdowns, while Chris Hilton Jr. added another receiving touchdown and finished with 113 receiving yards. Zavion Thomas provided a spark for LSU with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Despite the loss, Baylor (8-5) received a strong performance from quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who passed for 445 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Bears' offense sputtered in key moments, failing to convert on five of six fourth-down attempts.
Louisville Holds Off Washington in Sun Bowl
In a back-and-forth Sun Bowl matchup, Louisville narrowly defeated Washington 35-34. Cardinals quarterback Harrison Bailey threw for three touchdowns and led a balanced offensive attack.
While Bailey's passing numbers weren't eye-popping (16 of 25 for 164 yards), he efficiently managed the game and avoided turnovers. Louisville's rushing attack was also key, with freshmen Isaac Brown and Duke Watson combining for 182 yards.
Washington (6-7) received a standout performance from quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who threw for 374 yards and four touchdowns. Giles Jackson was Williams' primary target, hauling in 11 receptions for 161 yards and all four touchdowns.
