Penn State football is set to make history as they prepare to play their inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) game against the SMU Mustangs. This exciting first-round matchup will take place at Beaver Stadium on December 21, starting at noon.
After a challenging decade filled with close calls, the Nittany Lions have finally secured their spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format, ranking fourth in the playoff standings. Despite a recent setback, losing by just a touchdown to the top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship, Penn State maintained their position in the rankings.
This season has been particularly momentous for the Nittany Lions, as they achieved their first 11-win regular season under coach James Franklin, marking a significant milestone for the program. They will face an SMU team that has an 11-2 record and secured their playoff spot against tough competition, edging out Alabama for the last at-large position.
If Penn State triumphs over the Mustangs, they will advance to meet Boise State during the playoff quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve. With elite teams like Oregon and Georgia leading the bracket, the competition will be fierce, but the Nittany Lions have proven their resilience.
As the postseason approaches, anticipation builds across the Penn State community, marking a long-awaited opportunity for the program to demonstrate its capabilities on a national stage. This playoff bid, a first for Penn State in the College Football Playoff era, showcases the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff.
In upcoming playoff games, fans will be eager to support their team as the College Football Playoffs kick off the weekend before Christmas, culminating in bowl games and the national championship in January. With this newfound chance to compete at the highest level, Penn State football fans are optimistic about the potential for a significant run in the playoffs.
In summary, Penn State’s first-ever College Football Playoff game against SMU highlights a remarkable turnaround for the program, providing hope and excitement as they aim for greatness on the national stage. This season has set a new foundation for success, and fans remain hopeful for what lies ahead.