Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Tips / College Football Playoffs Quarterfinal Boise State vs Penn State

College Football Playoffs Quarterfinal Boise State vs Penn State: Odds, Tip, Predictions-12-31-24

NCAAF Betting Tips · - ·

Publish Date: 12/30/2024
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa

This quarterfinal playoff is considered a mismatch. Maybe it shouldn’t be. Boise State has been favored in all but one game this season; that game was an early season tussle with now-number-one Oregon. The Broncos were 17.5-point dogs, and they easily covered and came close to winning the game. The Broncos feature Ashton Jeanty, who had one of the greatest seasons any running back has ever had in College Football history.

Penn State comes in with only losses to Ohio State and Oregon in two highly competitive games. QB Drew Allar has shown big-time improvement this season. The Nittany Lions are a power, run-the-ball-down-your-throat team, but with Allar’s improvement, their offense is much more complete this season. The big question here will be can James Franklin win a big game, sure he beat SMU but this game will be much tougher than that game against an SMU team that should not have made the playoffs.

Boise State Broncos vs Penn State Nittany Lions

  • Point Spread: Penn State -11.5
  • Moneyline Boise State +340
  • Moneyline Penn State -450
  • Over/Under 52.5

First-year starter Maddux Madsen has been good throughout the season, but Penn State’s defense will likely be keyed on just one key player: RB Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, has had a historic season, leading the nation in carries (344), rushing yards (2,497), and touchdowns (29).

For the Broncos to pull off the upset, Madsen must play well, especially on third down. The biggest issue for the Broncos will be in the trenches where the Nittany Lions are dominant and take over games and I expect that to happen in this game also.

Allar needs to play solid, smart football and not turn the ball over; if he does, Penn State wins. For Penn State to win a Natty, though, Allar will have to step up in the next two rounds and make some big-time plays if the Lions are to have a shot at bringing a title back home to Happy Valley.

Boise State vs Penn State Moneyline

Moneyline value exists on Boise State, and I think a clear path does exist where they could win this game, clear but narrow. The best bet in this game is using the point spread. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Bet Penn State -11.5
  • Nittany Lions explosive on the ground
  • Madsen must play well for Boise to have a chance
  • Penn State better in the trenches
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Wagering offered by DK Sportsbook. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 6/28/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

The best NCAA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NCAA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Boise State vs Penn State Over/Under Analysis

I don’t expect a high-scoring game in this one, as both teams like to take their time and grind on each other. If Madsen comes up big, I expect a high-scoring game. I think Madsen plays well but not well enough to turn this into a shootout.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Bet the over 52.5
  • Expect grind it out game
  • turnovers will be key
  • Can Boise throw?
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Wagering offered by DK Sportsbook. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 6/28/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Boise State belongs in these playoffs, but not as a four-seed. Penn State is a little better at almost every position. Expect a close game until the fourth quarter when the Nittany Lions pull away. Penn State 34  Boise State 20

Bet Penn State -11.5

Read Also
2026 Sweet 16 Predictions: Find Latest Odds & Best Bets
There are not many warm-and-fuzzy Cinderella stories left in this year’s NCAA ...
March Madness 2026 MVP Betting: Our Picks for the March Madness MOP
The recent history of March Madness has shown that winning the tournament ...
College Basketball Toledo vs Miami: Preview, Prediction and Top prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Millett ...
College Basketball BYU vs Cincinnati: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: Fifth ...
NBA Charlotte vs Dallas: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 ...
College Basketball Iowa State vs Arizona: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: McKale ...
NBA Boston vs Milwaukee: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM ...
NBA Spurs vs Knicks: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM ...
College Basketball Ohio State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:30 PM ET Location: Schottenstein Center, ...
College Basketball Vanderbilt vs Kentucky: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
This SEC clash carries postseason implications wrapped in blue-blood intensity. No. 25 ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
DraftKings
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.5/5
Fanatics
4.3/5
4.5/5
4.5/5
4.3/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Wagering offered by DK Sportsbook. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 6/28/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Fanatics
Fanatics Promo
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
T&Cs apply
4.3/5
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Caesars Promo
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Barstool Promo
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Latest Sport News
Top 15 Indiana High School Basketball Shooting Guards of All Time
Few states can match Indiana when it comes ...
FIFA World Cup: Ghana vs. Panama
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ...
How to Pick a World Cup Team When You Have Never Watched a Soccer Game
The first answer to that is pretty obvious, ...
FIFA World Cup: England vs. Croatia
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Time: 4:00 PM ...
Gridiron on the Tabletop: Why ‘First Down’ is a Chess Match for Football Fans
Every football fan knows the feeling: it’s third-and-long, ...
Bogart, Steiger, The Harder They Fall
Hollywood made some very worthy boxing films in ...
FIFA World Cup: Iraq vs. Norway
FIFA World Cup: Iraq vs. Norway Wednesday, June ...
FIFA World Cup France vs. Senegal: Game Preview and Prediction
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | Time: 3:00 PM ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterMark LewisJames ErnestAuthor IconJohn Raspanti
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Marvin Uzor
Marvin Uzor
Author
Dr. Jay Gee
Dr. Jay Gee
Author
LaMarr Fields
LaMarr Fields
Author

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now