Penn State football is set to make history as it plays in its first-ever College Football Playoff game against the SMU Mustangs on December 21. The match will take place at Beaver Stadium, kicking off at noon, marking a significant milestone for the program.
After a challenging decade filled with near-misses, the Nittany Lions secured their spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format this season. This follows their strong performance in the Big Ten Championship Game, where they narrowly lost to the top-ranked Oregon team by just a touchdown, dropping only one spot to No. 4 in the playoff rankings.
In a matchup unveiled during ESPN’s selection show, the Nittany Lions, seeded sixth, will face the Mustangs, who have a record of 11-2 and secured the last at-large spot in the playoffs over Alabama. Should Penn State win, they will advance to meet Boise State in the quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
This season has been particularly rewarding for the Nittany Lions, who achieved their first 11-win regular season under head coach James Franklin—a feat that had not been accomplished in 16 years.
Looking at the other playoff matchups, the undefeated Oregon Ducks are the No. 1 seed, followed by SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs at No. 2. Boise State and Arizona State are thrid and fourth seeds respectively. Penn State’s path is optimistic as they prepare to host a strong SMU team that has only two losses, both by field goal margins against ranked opponents.
The selection committee’s choices in previous years have often sparked debate, but the current format opens new opportunities for teams like Penn State, who have previously found themselves on the cusp of playoff appearances. Their inclusion signifies a new era of competitiveness in college football.
As the Nittany Lions gear up for this exciting playoff journey, it is evident that they have the talent and determination to make a deep run in the tournament. Regardless of the outcomes, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding their playoff debut injects a sense of hope into their fanbase and college football fans alike.
In summary, Penn State’s first College Football Playoff game against SMU on December 21 marks a transformative moment for the program, reflecting their growth and resilience. The upcoming match is highly anticipated, as it not only symbolizes their achievements this season but also sets the stage for potential success in the playoffs.