Penn State's football team demonstrated its prowess on Saturday by defeating the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs 38-10, marking their first victory in the College Football Playoff and sending them on to the next round of competition at the Fiesta Bowl.
The historic matchup took place at Beaver Stadium, where the Nittany Lions capitalized on home-field advantage. This win not only solidifies their standing as champions of the Big Ten but also showcases the potential for Penn State's deep playoff run.
After entering the playoffs following losses at their respective conference championship games, both teams sought redemption. Penn State, ranked sixth, and the 11th-seeded SMU battled for survival, but it quickly became evident how well-prepared the Nittany Lions were. Penn State's defense shone brightly, executing multiple interceptions and demonstrating the ability to disrupt the Mustangs' offensive rhythm significantly.
One standout performance came from the Nittany Lions' defensive unit, which was able to secure three interceptions during the game, including two returned for touchdowns. Coach James Franklin applauded his defense, noting their elite level of play against one of the top-scoring offenses across the nation, which had averaged 38.5 points per game this season. SMU’s quarterback, Kevin Jennings, who earlier had shown promise during regular play, became increasingly overwhelmed by the Penn State defense, which acted like a tight-knit unit. Jennings struggled to find his rhythm, resulting in ill-advised throws and the eventual defeat of his team.
"Jennings was rattled... overwhelmed by Penn State’s defense," noted ESPN's game report. The pressure was evident from the start, as Jennings tried to adapt to the environment of Beaver Stadium, known for its raucous fan base and challenging conditions. The crowd played its part as well, with their energy—a mix of excitement and anticipation—creating an electrifying atmosphere, and leading several Mustangs to false starts early on.
Though the Penn State defense excelled, the Nittany Lions also showcased depth and versatility on their offense. With quarterback Drew Allar at the helm, the offense put together effective drives, capitalizing on the defensive turnover's momentum. Players like Nicholas Singleton and Tyler Warren made significant contributions, combining for substantial yard gains and keeping SMU's defense on their toes.
The Mustangs had their moments, particularly on their opening drive where tempo seemed to work to their advantage; for the first series, they executed quickly before faltering under the Nittany Lions' defense. While their offense showcased flashes of potential, SMU struggled to maintain consistency throughout the game, resulting eventually in frustration for the players and coaches.
Despite the difficulties on the field, SMU’s historic participation in this College Football Playoff marks a significant achievement for the program. Their head coach, Rhett Lashlee, has positioned SMU as competitive contenders, showcasing resilience during their inaugural season within the ACC. "The Mustangs still earned their shot to compete on this level and deserved respect, playing well to earn their season finish," as stated by multiple analysts.
Looking forward, Penn State prepares to face Boise State at the Fiesta Bowl on December 31. This pivotal encounter holds the potential to advance the Nittany Lions toward their championship goals. Franklin’s squad has demonstrated their ability to contend with the best—standing up to formidable opponents like Ohio State and Oregon earlier this season—further establishing their claim as one of the top teams this year.
The path is promising for Penn State, which has set its aspirations high after this solid playoff debut. Fans are rallying behind their team, hopeful for what is to come. The enthusiasm shown at Beaver Stadium this weekend proved one thing: postseason football at Penn State is back, and so is the drive to capture the national title. The road does not end here, and with each game, the excitement grows.
