It's Penn State-Boise State in the CFP week: Game time, spread, channel, streaming info, storylines, more

Penn State is just seven days away from its next College Football Playoff game. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions take on three-seed Boise State next Tuesday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Both programs are now into their usual prep for a contest, even if the days of the week are altered. The Broncos have had multiple weeks off to heal up and rest while PSU has played twice so far in the month of December.

“We are honored to be here and represent the Big Ten,” Lions coach James Franklin said Monday. “And playing a tremendous opponent like Boise. I’ve got a ton of respect for that university and that football program. They’ve really been an exciting team and exciting program for a long time. A lot of history there, a lot of exciting games that I have been able to watch.

“Obviously, Coach [Spencer] Danielson has done a great job in year one, being promoted from within,
former defensive coordinator. And has done a great job; has done a really, really good job,
understanding that team, understanding what they need to do to be successful. Obviously, we have a
common opponent in Oregon, and they played them extremely well in their one loss, 37-34. But this is
going to be an exciting game and a tremendous challenge.”

Get ready for Lions-Broncos with our early game preview.

Time and TV info

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. ESPN will televise the game. It is the first time Penn State will appear on that network’s airwaves. Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (color commentary), and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) will be on the call.

What is the Penn State-Boise State spread?

Penn State is a 10.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel. The over/under is 52.5 points.

Game week schedule for the Lions

Penn State head coach James Franklin already spoke with reporters on Monday. There are no availabilities on Tuesday or Wednesday. Four players and one coordinator will speak sometime Thursday. Then, the other side of the ball will go on Friday. The Lions arrive in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday. A local media day and practice viewing window takes place on Sunday. A joint head coaches news conference is on Monday. And, the game, of course, is Tuesday.

What’s up with Boise State?

The Broncos have not taken the field since winning the Mountain West Conference championship back on Dec. 6. Because they earned a bye, the Broncos should be fully healthy. Heisman runner-up and running back Ashton Jeanty has carried 344 times for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has thrown for 2,714 yards and 22 touchdowns to just three interceptions over 361 attempts. Receiver Cameron Camper is the leading receiver with 55 receptions for 837 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Matt Lauter had a team-high six scores through the air. 

Defensively, safety Ty Benefield leads the way in tackles (73) and interceptions (two). Defensive end Jayden Virgin-Morgan has a team-high 10 sacks on the season and 15.5 tackles for loss. The Broncos’ 51 sacks are the second most in the nation. And while both teams are top five in tackles for loss, BSU has 104 to Penn State’s 102 so far this year.

Boise State is 12-1 on the year.

Weather report

This stadium has a retractable roof. Whether or not it will be open on game day is not yet clear. It will be 73 degrees on Dec. 31 with a low of 41 degrees. No rain or win is currently in the forecast.

Early Penn State-Boise State storylines

–Will Penn State have an answer for Jeanty? He is a rock star of a rusher. And, he’s topped the 200-yard mark six times this season. But, at least statistically, this is the best rush defense he will see this season.

–What will Danielson and former Nittany Lion special teams coordinator Stacy Collins have up their sleeves on game day? Some special teams trickery might be in the cards.

–Who will lose their first Fiesta Bowl? Bosie State is 3-0, and Penn State, at 7-0, has the most Fiesta wins ever.

–Boise State has a rest advantage. Will that be as big of a deal as it feels like it could be? We shall see.

–The Broncos will have safety Alexander Teubner back. He’s been dealing with an injury. Whether or not he’ll be limited as he was in the MWC title game, however, is unclear

—Tyler Warren was quiet as a pass catcher but superb in the CFP Round 1 matchup as a blocker. Will Penn State be able to get him the ball more in this game?