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

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

4.5/5

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 $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

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.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Get bonus now

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 www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

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.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). 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/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Caesars Promo

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

–

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)

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

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the over 52.5

• Expect grind it out game
• turnovers will be key
• Can Boise throw?

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

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