The stage is set for a thrilling clash as the No. 6 seeded Penn State Nittany Lions square off against the No. 11 seeded SMU Mustangs on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at noon ET. This matchup, held at Beaver Stadium, marks both teams' first appearance at this stage of the College Football Playoff. Their history is brief yet notable, having collided only twice previously, with Penn State claiming victory both times—most recently by 26-21 over 45 years ago.
Heading to the field, the Nittany Lions boast impressive stats this season, with their overall and conference records reflecting their strong performance, especially at home with 6-1. Conversely, the Mustangs, fresh off their impressive 11-2 record and with their ACC Championship appearance under the guidance of head coach Rhett Lashlee, enter this challenge with hopes high.
According to betting lines, Penn State is favored by 8.5 points, reflecting expectations based on performance metrics and recent games. The over/under of total points sits at 52.5. These numbers present viewers with the perfect framework to gauge what to expect when these two formidable teams collide.
The Nittany Lions are backed by key players such as junior quarterback Drew Allar, who has made significant strides this season with impressive yardage and touchdown totals. On the other hand, SMU brings sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings, who, along with star running back Brashard Smith, seeks to capitalize on the Nittany Lions' defensive weaknesses.
Expert predictions fall heavily on the side of Penn State, with consensus picks favoring the Nittany Lions. Notably, analysts from various major outlets, including College Football Network and ESPN, anticipate Penn State's chances to prevail. "SMU undoubtedly earned their spot in the playoffs, but it’s hard to envision them advancing past the first round," stated one analyst, reflecting reservations about the Mustangs being able to pull off the upset.
With SMU committing too many turnovers and suffering from penalties, they hope to leverage their speed and agility on offense. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions defense, known for its aggressive blitz and strong line coverage, stands ready to challenge Jennings—and how he performs under pressure will be pivotal.
Penn State fans are eager to see their team thrive during this playoff appearance, especially under James Franklin's leadership, who has faced scrutiny for previous playoff shortcomings. This matchup is more than just about advancing; it's also about shaking off those past playoff demons.
Colder weather forecasts suggest possible snowfall, which could turn the contest even more challenging, particularly for SMU's running game. Field conditions and the potential need for adaptability will undoubtedly come to play during this pivotal encounter.
There's no denying the rivalry's excitement as fans gear up on both sides. Penn State looks to establish dominance early, avoiding the mistakes of previous playoffs, proving why they’ve consistently ranked high within the Big Ten. For the Mustangs, this game is not only about competition but also about cementing their place among the elite following their recent move to the ACC.
The importance of discipline and execution will be the name of the game. Can Jennings shine under pressure, or will he succumb to the relentless onslaught of Penn State's defense? Will Allar reign supreme, carving out drives and leading his team to secure victory?
Analysts expect the rushing game to play heavily in Penn State's favor, with players like Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen featuring prominently. A solid performance here could set the tone early and potentially give the Nittany Lions the edge to thwart any thoughts of coming back from SMU.
Overall, with all eyes on Beaver Stadium and the stakes higher than ever, the matchup promises not only to be filled with raw emotion and skill but also could redefine expectations for both programs heading forward. The winner advances, with the Nittany Lions poised to face the Boise State Broncos for the quarterfinal at the Fiesta Bowl on December 31. History is waiting to be written.
