Penn State football is set to play its inaugural College Football Playoff game against the SMU Mustangs on December 21, the weekend before Christmas. The contest will take place at Beaver Stadium, starting at noon.
After enduring nearly a decade of near misses, the Nittany Lions secured their spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format this season. They fell to No. 4 in the penultimate playoff rankings following a narrow loss to No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, dropping just one position in the standings.
The announcement of their first-round matchup came today during the final CFP bracket reveal broadcast on ESPN. Should the Lions emerge victorious against the 11-2 Mustangs, they are poised to square off against Boise State in the playoff quarterfinals scheduled for the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
This marks a significant achievement for the Nittany Lions, who have been revitalized under head coach James Franklin, completing their first 11-win regular season in 16 years. Their playoff debut was further solidified when the Mustangs secured the last at-large bid over Alabama, which ended the season with three losses.
Penn State’s playoff journey is notable for its dynamic first-round matchups. With the current seeds, the Lions are set to face a lower-seeded team, and the potential uniqueness of the playoff format adds excitement to College Football this season. The playoff seeds include Oregon as the top seed, Georgia at second, and Boise State and Arizona State at third and fourth, respectively, creating a competitive landscape for the upcoming games.
Historically, Penn State has been on the cusp of playoff contention, missing out during the earlier years of the four-team format. The expansion to 12 teams opens doors for programs like Penn State that consistently perform at a high level but faced tough competition in previous seasons.
Looking ahead, there are tangible hopes that the Nittany Lions’ performance could pave the way for a successful playoff run, potentially leading to a rematch with Oregon, should they advance. This monumental first-ever playoff game represents not just a momentous occasion for the team, but also a chance to showcase the progress and resilience of Penn State football.
In summary, Penn State’s debut in the College Football Playoff heralds a new era for the program, filled with possibilities for advancement and success on a national stage. Fans can eagerly anticipate this historic matchup against SMU and hope for a strong showing from their team in the playoffs.