No. 9 Penn State faces No. 12 Washington in Fiesta Bowl

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) No. 9 Penn State (10-2) vs. No. 12 Washington (10-2), Dec. 30, 4 p.m. EST

Line: Penn State by 2 1/2

Series Record: Penn State leads 2-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Two teams that were early-season contenders for a national title look to close out an 11th win on the season and earn a major bowl title.

KEY MATCHUP

Penn State RB Saquon Barkley against Washington’s defense. Saquon Barkley. Once a top contender for the Heisman Trophy, Barkley rushed for 1,134 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’ll be going against a Washington defense that was No. 1 in the FBS against the run, allowing 92.3 yards per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Penn State: QB Trace McSorley. The senior threw for 3,228 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions while completing 65 percent of his passes.

Washington: QB Jake Browning. The prolific junior holds numerous school records and threw for 2,544 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions this season.

FACTS & FIGURES

Penn State has never lost in six appearances in the Fiesta Bowl. … Washington WR Dante Pettis holds the NCAA record with nine punt returns for touchdowns, including four this season. … Penn State beat Washington 13-10 in the 1983 Aloha Bowl in the teams’ last meeting. … Washington is making its first appearance in the Fiesta Bowl.

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