STATE COLLEGE – In a historic moment for Penn State football, a former walk-on, Dom DeLuca, made headlines by scoring the first touchdown for the Nittany Lions in a College Football Playoff game. He was quickly joined by another linebacker, Tony Rojas, who also found the end zone, highlighting the impressive performance of the Penn State defense on a bitterly cold and windy December day at Beaver Stadium.
The No. 6-seeded Nittany Lions (11-2) swiftly established a 14-0 lead against SMU during the playoff showdown on Saturday afternoon. DeLuca kickstarted the scoring in the first quarter by intercepting a poorly judged pass from Mustangs’ quarterback Kevin Jennings and running it back effortlessly for a touchdown. This play demonstrated DeLuca’s keen ability to read the game, as he capitalized on Jennings’ struggle under pressure during the Mustangs’ second drive.
The defense continued to shine early in the second quarter, with Rojas pulling off an impressive 59-yard interception return for a touchdown, further elevating the Nittany Lions’ score. Despite the team only managing 74 yards of total offense in the first quarter compared to SMU’s 62, the stellar defensive plays made a significant impact on the game’s momentum.
Just when SMU appeared to seize an opportunity to rally back after the Nittany Lions failed to convert on a fourth-and-1, DeLuca struck again. He intercepted another Jennings pass, tipping it into the air before securing it, showcasing his defensive prowess with two interceptions in the first half.
DeLuca and Rojas have proven to be key players for the Nittany Lions, with DeLuca tallying 28 tackles and Rojas contributing 46 tackles, both finding their places as standouts in their team’s defensive efforts.
A victory in this playoff matchup would advance Penn State to the Fiesta Bowl, setting them up for a face-off against Boise State in the playoff quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve.
This remarkable game underscores the determination and skill of the Penn State defense, providing fans with a promising outlook for the team’s postseason journey. The Nittany Lions are about to make history, and their performance may well inspire future talents to rise within the program.
Summary: Penn State’s Dom DeLuca and Tony Rojas made history by scoring the first two touchdowns in a College Football Playoff game, showcasing the strength of their defense in a 14-0 lead against SMU. As the Nittany Lions vie for a place in the Fiesta Bowl, fans have much to be hopeful about as the team continues its pursuit of victory this season.