Penn State football is set to play its inaugural College Football Playoff game against the SMU Mustangs on December 21, just ahead of Christmas. This first-round playoff matchup will take place at Beaver Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for noon.
After several years of near misses, the Nittany Lions secured their spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format this season. Despite suffering a close loss to top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, Penn State maintained a strong position, currently ranked fourth and seeded sixth in the playoff brackets.
The anticipation for who the Lions would face concluded with the announcement of their matchup against the 11-2 Mustangs. If victorious, Penn State will advance to the quarterfinals to play Boise State at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The selection of SMU for the final at-large bid over Alabama highlighted the competitiveness of the playoff selection process. While the Mustangs lost only two games, both by narrow margins against ranked opponents, Alabama faced a more challenging path with three losses.
This upcoming playoff game marks a significant achievement for Penn State, as they complete their first 11-win regular season under head coach James Franklin—the program’s first in 16 years. Their successful season culminates in this historic playoff opportunity, which fans and players alike have eagerly anticipated.
The College Football Playoff is scheduled to kick off with opening round games on December 20 and 21 at various college campuses, with subsequent rounds taking place at iconic bowl sites. Penn State hopes this year’s playoff appearance lays the groundwork for future success in college football.
As the countdown to the game begins, the Nittany Lions look to capitalize on their momentum and make a statement in their first-ever playoff appearance. The excitement is palpable, and many hope this marks the beginning of a new era for Penn State football.
In summary, the Nittany Lions prepare for a historic game against SMU, looking to build on a remarkable season during the College Football Playoff. The potential for further advancement in the playoffs adds to the anticipation surrounding this program’s future successes.