Penn State is now in the running for a national championship after missing out on the four-team College Football Playoff for years. The Nittany Lions must defeat SMU first, though.
At Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Penn State, the sixth seed in the 12-team CFP, will play host to SMU, the eleventh seed. TNT will broadcast the first-round bout, which is scheduled to begin at noon.
On New Year’s Eve, Penn State will play No. 3 Boise State in the CFP quarterfinals if it prevails.
James Franklin’s program has a huge chance here. In recent years, Penn State would have benefited most from a 12-team model. After losing to Oregon and Ohio State in an 11-2 season, the Nittany Lions now have an opportunity to establish themselves nationally.
It won’t be simple, though. Two conference title runners-up will face each other in this clash. In a shootout, Oregon defeated Penn State to win the Big Ten title. Clemson won the ACC championship with a game-winning field goal, defeating SMU’s comeback attempt.
Will Abdul Carter, Drew Allar, and company defeat the Mustangs and guarantee their spot in the CFP quarterfinals? Or does Saturday mark the end of Penn State’s season?
These are PennLive’s staff picks for Penn State’s matchup with SMU in the first round of the CFP.
Reporter Johnny McGonigal of PennLive
During a press conference on National Signing Day, Dec. 20, 2023, PennLive reporter Johnny McGonigal poses a question to Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft.
[email protected] Joe [email protected] Joe Hermitt
Players on the spot: It’s a bit of a cop-out to list every member of the defense, but containing SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings will take teamwork. The defensive line, Carter, and Dani Dennis-Sutton must restrict him and, probably more crucially, exert pressure. When prolonging plays, the dual-threat quarterback is deadly. It ll be on the front four to keep him from getting outside the pocket, and it ll be on the secondary to hold up.
On the ground, don’t be shocked if Penn State continues where it left off. SMU boasts the No. 4 run defense in the FBS, allowing only 93.4 yards per game. But have the Mustangs faced an offensive line and tailbacks as good as Penn State s?Nick SingletonandKaytron Allencombined for 229 rushing yards in the Big Ten title game against Oregon. I m not banking on crazy numbers like that. But expect Penn State s ground game to be the difference.
PREDICTION:I think Penn State is in for an early dogfight. SMU has enough playmakers to keep up. But Penn State has the better roster top to bottom. I m predicting a clock-chewing drive in the fourth quarter by the Nittany Lions to ice it.Penn State 30, SMU 23
Bob Flounders, PennLive reporter
PennLive Penn State reporter Bob Flounders works during Big Ten Football Media Days held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, In. on July 22, 2021.
[email protected] Joe [email protected] Joe Hermitt
PLAYERS ON THE SPOT:The Lions big guys on the offensive line. If you can run the ball on Oregon s defense (292 yards, two touchdowns) on a neutral field, you can do it at home against an ACC defense. PSU s line overwhelmed the Ducks. Not a good sign for SMU.
DON T BE SURPRISED IF …Nick Singleton generates 150 total yards of offense vs. SMU. The Mustangs will be focused on tight end Tyler Warren. Singleton can be a problem as a runner and a receiver.
PREDICTION:The cold weather could impact the passing games and the Lions defense will rebound. PSU s run game delivers.Penn State 31, SMU 20
Max Ralph, PennLive reporter
Linebacker Tyler Elsdon speaks with PennLive sports reporter Max Ralph during media day event. August 3, 2024. Jimmie Brown. [email protected] Brown
PLAYERS ON THE SPOT:Abdul Carter. The self-proclaimed best player in the country didn t have a sack against Oregon as Dillon Gabriel thrived. Kevin Jennings will get out and run this week, too, but Carter has a favorable matchup. Take PFF for what you will, but SMU left tackle Savion Byrd has a 49 pass-blocking grade this season on a scale of 100. Carter will have a chance to wreck the game this week.
DON T BE SURPRISED IF …Penn State blows SMU s fourth-ranked rushing defense off the ball all day. Singleton and Allen are both back to full strength or at least are close to it. And while the Mustangs have been great in allowing just 93.4 rushing yards per game this year, they haven t faced many of the ACC s top rushers. After an impressive performance against Oregon, I think the LawnBoyz will be wearing their chain at least three times this Saturday two scores from Singleton and one from Allen.
PREDICTION:This one is cut and dry in my opinion. SMU is talented and not one to overlook, but Penn State has proven against two of the nation s best that it belongs, and the Mustangs are just one year removed from being a Group of Five program. The ACC isn t all that impressive of a conference this season, either. The Nittany Lions keep marching through the playoff.Penn State 34, SMU 20
Joe Hermitt, PennLive photojournalist
PennLive photographer Joe Hermitt shoots a Penn State game in 2023.
Photo by Paul BurdickPennLive
PLAYERS ON THE SPOT:The last time we saw Penn State s defense they were being gashed for 45 points and over 450 yards. Granted, that was Oregon, but SMU has weapons and speed as well highlighted by dual threat quarterback Kevin Jennings and running back Brashard Smith. PSU linebackers will be the key to containing Jennings stopping the running game.
DON T BE SURPRISED IF …PSU s much-maligned wide receivers Omari Evans and Harrison Wallace III get a few big plays against SMU s weakness on defense, their corners.
PREDICTION:Penn State has too much on offense for SMU and their defense always plays better at home. Look for the Lions D to focus on controlling Smith and forcing Jennings into making mistakes. The PSU offense took a big step forward against Oregon and will wear the Mustang defense down with their running game which will open up some deep shots for QB Drew Allar.Penn State 31, SMU 20
More Penn State Football News
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!