Penn State football is set to make history as they prepare to play their first-ever College Football Playoff game against the SMU Mustangs on December 21. The game will take place at Beaver Stadium, kicking off at noon.
After several seasons filled with near misses, the Nittany Lions secured a spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format this year. Despite a close loss to the top-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship Game, Penn State maintained its position, falling merely one spot in the playoff rankings to No. 4.
The much-anticipated matchup was revealed during ESPN’s selection show, confirming that a victory over the Mustangs would see the Lions advance to face Boise State in the quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve. SMU, who finished the regular season with an 11-2 record, secured the final at-large playoff spot over other contenders, including Alabama.
This season marks a crucial milestone for Penn State as they have achieved their first 11-win regular season since 2007 under Coach James Franklin. The Lions are now poised to make a significant playoff run and demonstrate their capabilities against SMU, who has yet to face a top-tier opponent in the playoffs.
The playoff structure features teams competing on campus for the first round, followed by traditional bowl sites for the quarterfinals. The semifinal matches are scheduled for early January, leading up to the national championship game in Atlanta on January 20.
This historic appearance for the Nittany Lions in the playoffs highlights the growth of the program under Franklin’s leadership, and fans are optimistic about the team’s chances as they look to cement their legacy in college football.
In summary, Penn State’s entry into the College Football Playoff symbolizes years of hard work and perseverance, offering fans a chance to rally behind their team as they embark on this exciting journey.