Penn State has made waves this season, capping off the year with a decisive 38-10 victory over SMU during the College Football Playoff's opening round held at Beaver Stadium. The impressive win not only showcased the resilience of the Nittany Lions but also allowed them to advance to the prestigious Fiesta Bowl game against Boise State.
Despite challenges, including windy conditions affecting passing accuracy, Penn State managed to establish dominant control over SMU, particularly through their powerful running game. Penn State's offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki focused on utilizing the ground attack, which proved fruitful as running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen together rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns on only 25 carries. This performance exemplified the duo's exceptional abilities, with Coach James Franklin describing their playing styles as 'violent,' reflective of their assertiveness and physicality on the field.
The Nittany Lions faced initial obstacles, especially with quarterback Drew Allar, who completed 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards but struggled with consistency. Allar noted the influence of the weather conditions on his performance, but he also emphasized the team's commitment to their game process, stating, "I don’t care what anyone says about me, my team, or my coach. At the end of the day, our process is our process." This determination fueled the Penn State squad as they rallied together and adjusted strategically throughout the game.
Defensively, Penn State put forth one of its best performances of the season. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Tom Allen, the Nittany Lions applied relentless pressure, which culminated in three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns by linebackers Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas. Coach Franklin praised the unit, saying, "I thought we played our best half of defense all season vs. the Mustangs," highlighting their ability to adjust and execute effectively against SMU’s offensive strategies.
Franklin's decision-making during the game also caught attention, particularly his bold call on fourth down deep within their own territory, which did not succeed. When questioned afterward, he supported the gamble by insisting, "I’d call it again," indicating his confidence not only in his team's abilities but also representing the aggressive spirit which is characteristic of his leadership.
Penn State's special teams also had their moments, with kicker Ryan Barker successfully completing a challenging 40-yard field goal under windy conditions. The Nittany Lions also recovered had strategic plays like the onside kick recovery, which contributed positively to the overall team performance.
While some outside observers expressed skepticism about the SMU's inclusion in the playoff field and the circumstances surrounding the matchup, Penn State managed to rise above this chatter. This significant victory by 28 points—the largest margin of any first-round playoff game—was pivotal, providing momentum as they head to the Fiesta Bowl for their next challenge.
Moving forward, Penn State hopes to capitalize on this win to shed the narratives and push for future success. With the Fiesta Bowl drawing near, fans are optimistic about the Nittany Lions as they prepare for Boise State, especially considering how far the program has come since the turbulent seasons of the past. This playoff appearance was the culmination of hard work not just this year but building over several seasons. Players like Allar, Singleton, and Allen are positioned to be key for the Nittany Lions as they aim for national prominence.
The Nittany Lions now look to capitalize on the lessons learned from this game and apply them to their upcoming Fiesta Bowl showdown. With their recent performance, fans and analysts alike are excited to see how far this team can go and whether they can continue to break narratives and establish themselves firmly on the national stage.
