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

The senior defensive end and team captain had just played his final game as a Bronco, and there was no question whether he had left it all out on the field. Hassanein was on the ground nursing bangs and bruises throughout the night as Boise State battled against the best interior lines it had seen all season.

After the drive’s first four plays, Penn State faced a third-and-eight situation from its 36. Quarterback Drew Allar teamed with wideout Harrison Wallace III for a nine-yard completion to set up a first-and-10 from the 45. Singleton lost three yards on a play to the right.