Penn State made a decisive early move against SMU last week, leaving its offense on the field for a pivotal 4th-and-1 attempt from its own 19-yard line. The conversion fell short, primarily because of a misplayed snap, and the Mustangs took over down 14-0 in prime position to reframe the game.

Who is Tyler Warren? The Penn State tight end was the best at his position in college football this season. Here's what to know:

SportsLine's model simulated Saturday's Penn State Nittany Lions vs. SMU Mustangs College Football Playoff first round matchup 10,000 times

For Boise State, years of being the best program outside the power conference have finally culminated in a chance to play for the national title. Undefeated seasons in 2006 and 2009 ended with Fiesta Bowl wins but came before the four-team Playoff. This season is Boise’s 10th with 12 wins since 2002.

Boise State holds a 3-0 all-time record in the Fiesta Bowl with victories in 2007, 2010 and 2014.  The Broncos were an underdog in all three matchups. Adrian Pe

Beaver Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in around the entirety of college football so the Mustangs will have their hands full. SMU will need to control the crowd before it gets to be too late if they want any chance of pulling the upset.

This ever-improving combination figures to be a deciding point in Tuesday's Fiesta Bowl playoff game against the Boise State Broncos. While the Group of 5 Broncos own one of the top pass-rushing defenses in the nation (51 sacks in 13 games) they haven't faced anything like the Penn State run game − at least since a September loss to Oregon.

Former Penn State assistant Stacy Collins will coach against the Nittany Lions in the College Football Playoff vs. Boise State.