STATE COLLEGE – In a historic moment for Penn State football, a former walk-on player became the first to score a touchdown for the Nittany Lions in a College Football Playoff game. Linebackers Dom DeLuca and Tony Rojas both made significant contributions, showcasing the team’s defensive prowess in challenging weather conditions.
On a bitterly cold December afternoon at Beaver Stadium, the No. 6-seeded Nittany Lions (11-2) established a 14-0 lead against SMU. DeLuca kicked off the scoring in the first quarter by intercepting a poorly thrown pass and returning it for a touchdown, marking his second interception of the season. His earlier interception came in a nail-biting victory against Minnesota.
Despite the challenging weather, which limited offensive production, the Penn State defense stepped up. In the second quarter, Rojas intercepted a pass from Mustangs’ quarterback Kevin Jennings and made an impressive 59-yard return for a touchdown. This occurrence not only illustrated the tenacity of the Lions but also their ability to capitalize on turnovers.
Even after a missed fourth down attempt on their own 20-yard line, Penn State held firm. DeLuca further contributed by intercepting a pass in the red zone, denying SMU a chance to bounce back.
DeLuca has made his mark, contributing significantly to both the defense and special teams. He finished the season ranked eighth on the team with 28 tackles. Rojas, a force in his own right, had recorded 46 tackles and made five tackles for loss leading up to this game.
With their victory, the Nittany Lions advanced to the Fiesta Bowl and will face Boise State in the playoff quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve, giving fans a reason to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the next challenge.
This game not only reflects the resilience of the players involved but also underscores the potential for the team as they progress further in the playoffs. The determination shown by DeLuca and Rojas bodes well for Penn State’s future in college football.