Boise State Heads to CFP Quarterfinal at Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

**SCOTTSDALE, AZ (December 8, 2024)** – Boise State, a three-time Fiesta Bowl champion and the 2024 Mountain West Conference Champions, secured the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye into the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. The historic matchup will take place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at State Farm Stadium.

This marks the first-ever College Football Playoff Quarterfinal to be hosted at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, kicking off at 5:30 p.m. MST and airing live on ESPN and its digital platforms from Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos will face the winner of the CFP first-round game between No. 6 Penn State and No. 11 SMU. That matchup will take place on Saturday, December 21, at 10 a.m. MST

Broncos’ Historic Fiesta Bowl Journey

Boise State returns to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl for the first time since 2014, marking their tenth appearance in the prestigious bowl game. The Broncos boast an impressive 3-0 all-time record at the Fiesta Bowl, tying them with Penn State and Oklahoma State for the most undefeated records in at least three appearances.

“The expanded College Football Playoff brought great excitement to the season and the Playoff will be even more captivating. We are proud to host the first-ever CFP Quarterfinal here at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and to do so with our hallmark Yellow Jacket hospitality for student-athletes, coaches, families and fans,” said Judy Bernas, Chair of the Fiesta Sports Foundation. “Boise State has a history of success at the Fiesta Bowl and we will welcome Bronco Nation on and off the field. There is no better way to spend New Year’s Eve than witnessing history with two of college football’s best teams.”

Dominant Bronco Offense

The Broncos clinched their playoff berth with a dominant 21-7 victory over No. 20 UNLV in the Mountain West Conference championship, securing their sixth conference title. Boise State brings an explosive offense, ranking fourth in the FBS in scoring offense (39.1) and sixth in total offense (470.2). Leading the charge is Ashton Jeanty, who leads the nation in rushing yards with 2,497, just 131 yards shy of Barry Sanders’ FBS all-time record.

Maddux Madsen has also been a standout performer, throwing for 2,714 yards and 22 touchdowns in his first full season as Boise State’s starting quarterback.

Strong Bronco Defense

Head Coach Spencer Danielson, Mountain West Coach of the Year, has assembled a strong defensive unit. The Broncos rank 24th nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 115.1 yards per game, and are a formidable force in sacking quarterbacks, ranking second in the nation with 51 team sacks.

<h2>Countdown to Kick-off</h2>

<p>An electrifying pre-game atmosphere awaits with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe taking place on  Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m. MST in Central Phoenix, headlined by Anthony Robles, this year's Grand Marshal. </p>

Experience the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Tickets and premium seating opportunities for the 54th Annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl are available by visiting fiestabowl.org/tickets or calling 480.350.0911. Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration with the free Fan Fest Pregame Party for all ages or the premium Club ’71 pregame party, both opening at 12:30 p.m.