Penn State football is set to make history by participating in its first College Football Playoff game this December. The Nittany Lions will face the SMU Mustangs at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, December 21, with kickoff scheduled for noon.
After a decade filled with near misses, Penn State secured its place in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format following a strong season that culminated in an 11-win regular season — the program’s best under head coach James Franklin since 2007. Despite a recent loss to No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, Penn State retained a high seed, currently ranked sixth in the playoff standings.
Should the Nittany Lions emerge victorious against the Mustangs, who carry an 11-2 record, they will advance to face Boise State in the playoff quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The College Football Playoff lineup sees Oregon leading the pack as the top seed, followed by SEC champions Georgia at No. 2. Other notable matchups include Texas against Clemson and Notre Dame facing off against Indiana.
This is a significant moment for Penn State, as they have not participated in the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014, missing out on previous opportunities where their performance might have qualified them under this new format.
As anticipation builds for this inaugural playoff game, the Nittany Lions have ignited hope among their supporters. The match on December 21 marks the culmination of their hard work and determination throughout the season, representing a fresh start and a chance to compete on a grand stage.
With the excitement of playoff football on the horizon, fans can look forward to a thrilling matchup that could set a new trajectory for the storied program. The Nittany Lions’ journey in the College Football Playoff not only reflects their current achievements but also inspires optimism for the future.