How concerned are Penn State supporters about SMU, the underdog, playing at Beaver Stadium on Saturday?
PennLive is curious. Here’s how I phrased it on social media: How worried are you about Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Some fans of the Nittany Lions are more concerned than others.
Comments and questions have been clarified through editing.
On the worry scale, I’m at number seven. SMU is excellent and well-rounded. Because of their moniker, everyone is ignoring the Mustangs. Anything can happen in a playoff with only one elimination. There’s a reason SMU qualified for the playoffs.
The majority of gambling services had Penn State as an 8.5-point favorite as of late Wednesday afternoon. Since the announcement of the Lions’ game against SMU, that figure has remained largely unchanged.
A No. 6 seed playing a No. 11 seed at home? That figure looks to be about correct.
I concur that SMU’s offense is balanced. Each game, the Mustangs averaged 267 passing yards and 176.1 running yards. Due to their outstanding performance in an ACC title game defeat to Clemson (34–31) and an 8–0 conference record, Lashlee’s team is in the playoffs.
For Penn State supporters, I would give SMU a five on the worry scale. Winning at State College will be difficult, and the Lions have already lost twice to playoff teams that are superior to the Mustangs.
Turning the ball over three or more times is the only way I can see Penn State losing. Additionally, in 13 games, the Lions have only committed 12 turnovers.
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