Former Wisconsin offensive tackle Nolan Rucci continued his phenomenal play as he and the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated Boise State 31-14 in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl).
Rucci, who started at right tackle for the fourth consecutive game, allowed zero pressures in 33 pass-blocking snaps. He also notched an impressive 86.8 run-blocking grade, per ProFootballFocus.
The standout tackle aided a Penn State offense that finished the contest with 387 total yards — 216 rushing (5.3 yards per carry) and 171 passing. The team jumped out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to two Drew Allar touchdown passes. Boise State closed the gap at 17-14 early in the third quarter, but the Nittany Lions were able to ice the game away thanks to dominance from running backs Kaytron Allen (17 carries, 134 rushing yards, 7.9 yards per carry) and Nicholas Singleton (12 carries, 87 rushing yards, 7.3 yards per carry, one touchdown).
Rucci made a difference in that rushing attack, helping Penn State advance to the CFP Semifinals.
Penn State RT Nolan Rucci vs Boise State:
🔵 33 Pass Block Snaps
🔵 Zero Pressures Allowed
🔵 86.8 Run Block Grade@PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/PAwXxib5Eb— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2025
The performance continues what has been a dominant month for the former five-star recruit. He was PFF’s highest-graded offensive lineman (76.6) from the CFP First Round, that after excelling in Penn State’s Week 14 win over Maryland and Big Ten title loss to Oregon.
Rucci has taken over the starting right tackle job after previous starter Anthony Donkoh went down with a long-term injury. This is his first extended run in a starting position after operating as a backup during his three years with the Badgers.
Wisconsin fans envisioned Rucci blocking for a highly-rated quarterback and elite running back en route to a national title. With the Badgers, that would have been for Graham Mertz and Braelon Allen, respectively. Instead, he’s doing so for Allar and Singleton/Allen with the Nittany Lions.
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