Penn State football has secured a spot in the College Football Playoff and will face the SMU Mustangs in its first-ever playoff game at Beaver Stadium on December 21, kicking off at noon. This comes after a significant season that saw the Nittany Lions achieve an 11-win regular season, marking their first since 2007.
Despite a close loss to the top-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship Game, the Nittany Lions only slipped slightly in the playoff rankings, landing at the No. 6 seed. Their matchup against the Mustangs (11-2) was confirmed during the final CFP bracket reveal.
Should Penn State win this initial round, they will advance to face Boise State in the playoffs during the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve. The Nittany Lions have faced strong competition throughout the season, and their placement in the playoffs highlights their resilience and determination.
While other teams like Alabama and Ohio State were hopeful for playoff entries, the committee chose to reward the Nittany Lions for their performance, providing them a chance to prove themselves against the Mustangs. The excitement surrounding this historic opportunity invigorates the team and its supporters, promising a thrilling atmosphere as they prepare for their playoff debut.
This remarkable achievement underscores the progress made under head coach James Franklin, who has been pivotal to the revival of the Penn State football program.
As the College Football Playoff approaches, the Nittany Lions hold the hopes of their fans and the opportunity to add a chapter to their storied history. The excitement leading up to this showdown against SMU has sparked a renewed enthusiasm among the fanbase, signaling a bright future for Penn State football, which appears to be on the upswing in competitive college sports.