Penn State football is set to make history as they compete in their first-ever College Football Playoff game against the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, December 21, at Beaver Stadium. The game will kick off at noon, marking a significant milestone for the Nittany Lions after a decade filled with near-misses.
After finishing the regular season with an impressive 11 wins, their strongest showing in 16 years under coach James Franklin, Penn State secured their spot in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format. Despite a recent setback, losing by a touchdown to the top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, the Nittany Lions maintained their playoff seeding, currently ranked No. 4 and positioned at the sixth seed.
The matchup against the Mustangs, who hold an 11-2 record, was revealed during the final College Football Playoff bracket announcement earlier today. Should Penn State emerge victorious, they will advance to face Boise State in the quarterfinals at the prestigious Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
This year’s playoff sees Oregon as the undefeated No. 1 seed, while SEC champions Georgia are positioned at No. 2. Birmingham State follows at No. 3, and Arizona State rounds out the top four.
As the countdown leans towards December 21, excitement surrounds Penn State, who is finally in contention for the national championship. Following years of striving for playoff inclusion, this moment represents a significant achievement for the program and its supporters, showcasing the team’s resilience and growth.
In what promises to be an exhilarating matchup, fans are hopeful that the Nittany Lions can capitalize on this opportunity and make their mark in the playoff landscape. The enthusiasm is palpable, and Penn State’s journey, from a previous near-miss to playoff contenders, encapsulates the thrilling unpredictability of college football.
This hopeful chapter in their narrative emphasizes the spirit of perseverance and the excitement of competitive sports as the season unfolds.