GLENDALE, Ariz. — The New Year’s Eve clash in the Fiesta Bowl showcased two distinct Boise State teams on the field: one a conference champion reveling in a standout season, and the other an underdog facing a powerhouse in Penn State. The Broncos, led by star running back Ashton Jeanty, entered the College Football Playoff with high hopes but ultimately fell to a superior Nittany Lions squad, losing 31-14.

This game was more than just a loss for Boise State; it illuminated fundamental flaws in the College Football Playoff (CFP) seeding system. The upset resulted in a pathway for Penn State—a Big Ten runner-up—to advance to the semifinals more easily than the top-seeded teams from their own conference. This has reignited discussions among fans and analysts alike about the need to reassess how teams are seeded in the playoff structure, specifically as it adjusts to realignments that have altered traditional power dynamics.

Despite the defeat, Broncos fans can take solace in a record-breaking season. Jeanty’s dream of surpassing Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record fell short by just 27 yards, but his accomplishments throughout the year have been historic. Although the outcome of the Fiesta Bowl was disappointing, 2024 is likely to be remembered as one of the most influential seasons in Boise State history.

Coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in his team despite the defeat, stating, “They re-established the standard in Boise to be a light on the hill that had been lost for a little bit. That’s a legacy that can never be taken from them.”

However, the game highlighted a significant issue within the playoff format. The CFP, which was designed to reward conference champions, has struggled to adapt to the current landscape of college football, where traditional powerhouses dominate. With Boise State's rise to No. 3 seed despite being ranked ninth, it sparked criticism about the fairness of the seedings, especially when a fourth-ranked but lower-seeded Penn State was favored going into the match.

Boise State's performance showed that they were no charity case; they outgained Penn State 412 yards to 387. Yet, self-inflicted wounds—13 penalties for 90 yards and four turnovers—played a significant role in the loss. This has fueled ongoing debates about whether the opportunity to claim a national title is effectively available to all deserving teams.

The criticism of the current seeding system isn’t just limited to Boise State; it raises concerns for other teams like Arizona State, which, although ranked 12th, was also in the mix for CFP contention. However, the broader discussion addresses fairness in the playoff format, as it inadequately rewards teams like Boise State for their respective achievements and efforts.

As 2025 looms, there are whispers of potential changes to the playoff's seeding process, perhaps as early as the next season. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter reflects this sentiment, recognizing the flaws in the current format while emphasizing the merit of being in the playoff conversation. “We didn’t make those (bye) rules. I’m smart enough to realize we might not be the third-best team, but we definitely deserve to be in there,” Koetter stated.

While this season may have ended in heartbreak for Boise State, it also shines a light on the necessary evolution of an expanding college football playoff system—one that must include a fair pathway for any team aspiring to compete for a national championship. The hope is that, moving forward, future playoff formats better reflect the efforts of teams like Boise State, allowing them to genuinely contend on this grand stage.

As discussions about reform intensify, let’s keep an eye on how these changes will shape the college football landscape and improve fairness for all competitors in the upcoming seasons.