The long wait is over for Penn State football, as the Nittany Lions are set to compete in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time in program history. This Saturday, the No. 6 seed Nittany Lions (11-2) will host their inaugural postseason game at Beaver Stadium against No. 11 seed Southern Methodist University (SMU), also with an 11-2 record. The matchup is slated for a noon ET kickoff and marks one of three CFP games taking place on that day.
The victor of this first-round clash between Penn State and SMU will move on to the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve, where they will face No. 3 Boise State at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Both teams approach this game following losses in their respective conference championship contests. The Nittany Lions, under the guidance of head coach James Franklin, possess a well-rounded squad featuring standout players Drew Allar, Tyler Warren, and Abdul Carter. They come equipped with a top-25 ranked offense and defense. On the other hand, SMU boasts the sixth-ranked offensive unit in the nation, promising a showdown of high-powered offenses.
Although Saturday’s game will be the first meeting in over 40 years, both programs have a historical connection. The match will mark the third overall meeting between Penn State and SMU, with the Nittany Lions leading the series 1-0-1. The previous encounters include a tie in the 1948 Cotton Bowl and a victory for Penn State in 1978, when they defeated SMU 26-21.
This matchup is not just a pivotal moment for the teams, but a significant chapter in their histories as both schools make their CFP debuts. It showcases not only their resilience but also highlights the evolution of college football, where programs are now given the opportunity to shine on a national stage.
As fans eagerly anticipate Saturday’s game, the atmosphere at Beaver Stadium promises to be electric, signaling a hopeful beginning for both teams as they aim to make their mark in the playoffs. This matchup serves as a reminder of the thrill and unpredictability of college football, and a chance for both programs to rewrite their legacies moving forward.