Boise State's loss to Penn State in the Playoff quarterfinals underscored a crucial flaw in a system meant to reward conference champions.

No. 3 Boise State proved it belonged in the College Football Playoff, out-gaining No. 6 Penn State 412-387 in Tuesday night’s Fiesta Bowl. But the Broncos (12-2) and star tailback Ashton Jeanty weren’t sharp enough to defeat a team of Penn State’s caliber.

Drew Allar threw three touchdown passes and No. 5 Penn State bottled up Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty for a 31-14 win over No. 8 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.