Who is the Penn State-Boise State referee, and what conference is the crew from?
No. 6 Penn State meets No. 3 Boise State in the first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal game to be played in the Fiesta Bowl. It is on Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET. We already know that ESPN is televising the game. Additionally, the Nittany Lions are a double-digit favorite ahead of kickoff. Now, we also know who the referee will be.
Football Zebras reports that an SEC all-star crew led by head referee Steve Marlowe will be on the call at State Farm Stadium. It’s the second game Marlowe and his fellow referees will work together. They also called the SEC title game and drew the ire of Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, whose team was called for eight first half penalties and 12 overall in the Longhorns’ loss to Georgia.
“Well, hopefully they call them for a holding one of these times too,” Sarkisian told ESPN.
The Bulldogs were called for just five penalties in Atlanta.
Marlowe is a long-time football official. He has previous CFP experience, as well. Entering game day, Penn State is No. 24 in penalties per game (with 5) and No. 43 penalty yards per game (47.3). Boise State is Nos. 16 and 21, respectively.
Penn State and Boise State coaches offer early thoughts on the matchup
Both Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and Broncos coach Spencer Danielson previewed the game with reporters ahead of kickoff.
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“Think the world of their team,” Danielson said. “Don’t know Coach [James] Franklin. But think very highly of him. A ton of respect for him, what he’s done over the years, what he’s done this season. I mean, they’re a touchdown away from being the Big Ten champs and probably being the number one overall seed in the in the playoffs. So ton of respect for him as a coach.
“I have followed his journey for a long time. He’s done a phenomenal job, really, in all three phases, they’re playing their best football. And what they were able to do against SMU on Saturday, I mean, that’s very, very impressive. I mean, about 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, they’re able to rest their guys in a Playoff game. That’s a testament to their team.”
Franklin offered similar praise for his CFP quarterfinal counterpart.
“Obviously, Coach [Spencer] Danielson has done a great job in year one,” he said. “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.”
