A Group of Five conference champion was guaranteed a bid to the expanded College Football Playoff this year, but few expected that team to land the No. 3 overall seed. Ranked ahead of the Big 12 and ACC champions, Boise State turned in a dream season with 12 wins and a Heisman runner-up campaign from Ashton Jeanty.
Will it translate to playoff success? The Broncos are still considerable underdogs against No. 6 Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, but the program knows very well what it's like to win the Fiesta Bowl in thrilling fashion. If Boise State's only loss this season is any indication, it can hang with some of the best teams in the country.
Here's a look back at Boise State's only loss and how the team came close to a perfect regular season. SN's PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP scores | Updated CFP bracket | Full CFP schedule Who did Boise State lose to in 2024? Boise State's only defeat came at the hands of unbeaten Oregon in Week 2. The Ducks defeated the Broncos 37-34 in Eugene, picking up a narrow victory that would put them on a path to a perfect season entering the College Football Playoff.
As far as losses go, Boise State's was one not worth panicking over. Spencer Danielson's team went on the road as a 17-point underdog and gave Oregon a real scare, going to halftime with a 20-14 lead and regaining the lead in the fourth quarter on two touchdowns by Ashton Jeanty. Special teams ultimately cost the Broncos, as the Ducks responded to Jeanty's go-ahead touchdown with a 100-yard k.
