GLENDALE, Ariz. — New Year’s Eve saw not one, but two Boise State teams take the field during the highly anticipated Fiesta Bowl against Penn State. One version of Boise State stood as a proud conference champion, eager to showcase their talents on the national stage. This was a team, led by star running back Ashton Jeanty, that had captured the imagination of fans with an incredible season, marking them as a top contender from the Group of 5 conferences.

However, the other Boise State appeared during the game as an outmatched squad that struggled against a more skilled and talented Penn State team. This juxtaposition was vividly illustrated in the final score of 31-14, revealing that while one Boise State deserves celebration for its season, the other has ignited discussions about the questionable seeding in this expanded College Football Playoff.

Boise State’s remarkable journey to this moment has been overshadowed by this championship loss, but fans and analysts alike should not overlook what they accomplished. Jeanty, while short of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record — just 27 yards shy — still proved to be a formidable competitor throughout the season. Though they fell short in this crucial game, 2024 will be remembered as a momentous chapter in the history of Boise State football.

“I’m incredibly proud of this team,” said head coach Spencer Danielson. “We didn’t get the result tonight, but they’ve brought back a standard and legacy in Boise that had faltered for a while.”

For college football fans and other teams in the playoff, the matchup underscored a glaring flaw in a system designed to reward conference champions yet flawed by realignment dynamics. With Boise State ranked ninth but seeded third, the confusion surrounding seeding led to a matchup where fourth-ranked but sixth-seeded Penn State seemed to have an easier path to the semifinals than higher seeds like Oregon and Georgia.

As has been anticipated, the consequences of this format have sparked controversy across the board. Despite the spirited effort by Boise State, who managed 412 offensive yards to Penn State’s 387, their performance included costly errors like 13 penalties and four turnovers. Although Boise topped Penn State in yardage, they struggled to maintain possession and execute effectively against the Nittany Lions, who dominated the game from start to finish.

“Nobody on our team took Boise lightly,” said Penn State coach James Franklin. “I believe our time in the tough Big Ten has really prepared us for these high-stakes games.”

Despite the disappointment, it’s essential to recognize that Boise State did not earn this playoff berth by sheer luck, but rather through hard-fought victories throughout the season. The narrative that some teams, like Boise State, are merely fillers in the playoff system is unfounded. They showcased the kind of football that deserves recognition on the national stage.

The good news for Boise State fans is that changes may be underway. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter suggested that discussions are emerging regarding the possibility of modifying the current playoff seeding process. “We didn’t create the bye rules, but there’s no question that we’ve earned our shot to be in this playoff,” he acknowledged.

As Boise State looks to the future following this significant loss, they remain determined and proud of their achievements this season. The expanded playoff landscape has created opportunities for teams across the nation, including Boise, SMU, and others who crave a shot at national recognition. The journey may have been tough, but through every game, they have proven they belong on this stage.

In a sport with so much on the line, there’s a silver lining for Boise State amid the defeat: a drive to return, evolve, and someday crown themselves champions of college football. But as they plan their comeback to the playoffs, one thing is certain — the road ahead will look different, igniting hopes for the Broncos and their loyal supporters as they continue their quest for greatness.