Fiesta Bowl Football History: H2H, records, top matchups and more ahead of Penn State vs. Boise State matchup 

College football's biggest historical game is arriving and the Fiesta Bowl has certainly earned a spot on that shortlist. One of the quarterfinal CFP matchups in this new 12-team CFP era, the Fiesta Bowl has hosted some massive games (including three national championship games) in its 54-year tenure.

Time to peel back some of the impressive history of this epic battle.

Fiesta Bowl football history

Boise State RB and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty could have a big game on tap for the Fiesta Bowl. (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Fiesta Bowl debuted in 1971. From then until 2006, each annual meeting took place at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona (then the home of Arizona State football). From 2007 on, the game has been played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.

Since 1992, when college football's push for a unified champion became a reality, the Fiesta Bowl has played a role in those battles. The game's humble beginnings started as an excuse for West Coast teams, underrepresented in the mostly southeastern bowl picture, to get easier bowl access. It's become much more than that.

Notable matchups in Fiesta Bowl history

1987: No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 1 Miami

A pre-unified title game matchup between the top two teams, this was considered a shocking upset for Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions, who won a 14-10 battle. Miami was favored by 6.5 points and outgained PSU 445-162. But five Vinny Testaverde interceptions delivered a shocking result.

1989: No. 1 Notre Dame vs. No. 3 West Virginia

For the second time in three years, this Fiesta Bowl was a massive national title matchup. The top-ranked Irish bested West Virginia 34-21 and claimed their most recent college football crown. Notre Dame receiver Rocket Ismail caught a critical touchdown in the win.

1996: No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 2 Florida

This time, the Bowl Alliance system put the nation's top two teams in the Fiesta Bowl. Nebraska's run-heavy attack crushed Florida in a 62-24 decision. Nebraska QB Tommie Frazier scored two long touchdowns, one an all-time highlight to end the third quarter.

1999: No. 1 Tennessee vs. No. 2 Florida State

The BCS delivered another Fiesta Bowl title game, with Tennessee claiming its lone title of the modern era. Both teams were unbeaten, with Florida State a 5 1/2 point favorite. But a year after Peyton Manning's UT career ended, Tee Martin led the Vols to the national title in a 23-16 win.

2003: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Miami

In one of the greatest college football games of all time, Miami's quest for consecutive national titles was averted in double overtime by the Buckeyes in a 31-24 decision. Running back Maurice Clarett was outstanding and Ohio State won as an 11.5-point underdog. A controversial overtime pass interference penalty kept the Buckeyes alive and they won a dramatic title in the next overtime.

2007: No. 9 Boise State vs. No. 7 Oklahoma

One of the most dramatic college football games ever, the Broncos won 43-42 in overtime after a series of astonishing trick plays. Boise needed a perfect hook and lateral play to reach overtime, then scored in overtime on a tight end throwback pass to the quarterback. The Broncos went for a two-point conversion and won the game on a Statue of Liberty play to running back Ian Johnson.

Penn State vs. Boise State: Head-to-head

Boise State and Penn State have never played each other. That said, the Fiesta Bowl has been kind to Penn State. The Nittany Lions are 7-0 in their previous appearances in the game. But Boise State hasn't exactly fared badly. They're 3-0 in the game all-time.

The Nittany Lions are 11-point favorites in the battle.

What do you think about the Fiesta Bowl matchup? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments section below.