The matchup between the 11th-seeded SMU Mustangs and sixth-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions is set for an exciting first-round encounter in the College Football Playoff this Saturday at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. The victor of this clash will earn the opportunity to compete against No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31.
Both teams enter this game with impressive 11-2 records. The Mustangs are looking to bounce back from a hard-fought 34-31 defeat against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. Their last national championship win dates back to 1982. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions also faced disappointment in their last game, losing 45-37 to Oregon in the Big Ten Championship, but have a strong history with two national titles, the last in 1986.
As for player availability, both teams have most of their key players on the field, though SMU’s star tight end RJ Maryland and Penn State’s offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh will be missed due to season-ending injuries sustained earlier in the season.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET with the Nittany Lions favored by 8.5 points. The over/under for total points scored is set at 52.5, slightly adjusted due to a forecast predicting cold conditions at kickoff, around 24 degrees.
For fans interested in betting, statistics provided by the SportsLine Projection Model indicate a profitable history. The model generates simulations for every FBS game multiple times, boasting over $2,000 in profits for $100 bettors on its top-rated spreads. The model forecasts a combined score of 60 points for this game, suggesting that both teams can expect explosive offensive performances.
The Mustangs recently displayed their offensive strength, racking up 458 total yards against Clemson, with quarterback Kevin Jennings throwing for 304 yards. Senior running back Brashard Smith contributed significantly, while wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. added multiple receptions and yards. On the other hand, the Nittany Lions are coming off a strong showing against Oregon, totaling 523 yards, with quarterback Drew Allar leading the charge with 280 total yards and four touchdowns.
As anticipation builds for this showdown, it’s clear that both teams have the potential to deliver an electrifying performance that captivates fans. The game also represents a chance for both programs to showcase their talents and resilience on a national stage.
In summary, this first-round matchup not only offers a thrilling college football experience but also an opportunity for teams to solidify their legacies and push towards potential national title aspirations.