On Saturday, December 20, sixth-seeded Penn State will take on eleventh-seeded SMU at Beaver Stadium in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoffs.

How Both Penn State and SMU Reached the College Football Playoffs

For the first time in program history, Penn State will compete in the College Football Playoffs, which expanded this season from a four-team format to a 12-team bracket. Penn State finished the 2024 regular season with an 11-2 record, suffering losses to Ohio State (20-13) and Oregon (45-37). Despite those setbacks, Penn State secured a spot as the second-highest at-large seed.

SMU’s journey to the playoffs was more tumultuous. The Mustangs also ended the regular season with an 11-2 record, with losses to BYU and Clemson (34-31) in the ACC Championship Game. SMU’s inclusion in the playoffs was not guaranteed, as their spot was hotly contested. Ultimately, the College Football Selection Committee awarded them the final at-large berth, setting up this first-round matchup with Penn State.

First Playoff Appearance for Both Penn State and SMU

The College Football Playoff’s expansion to 12 teams has opened the door for several programs to make their debut, including Penn State and SMU. Penn State has long been considered a prime beneficiary of playoff expansion, as the Nittany Lions frequently finish in the top 12 but have historically been overshadowed by Ohio State and Michigan.

SMU’s playoff berth is a testament to determination and self-belief. After joining the ACC without an initial share of the league’s television revenue, SMU proved it could compete at a Power Four level. Under head coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs reached the ACC Championship Game and earned a playoff spot in their first year in the conference.

Backup Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal

Both teams are dealing with quarterback transfers in different ways. For SMU, Preston Stone began the season as the starter but lost his job to Kevin Jennings. Stone remains with the team during their playoff run while seeking opportunities elsewhere.

At Penn State, backup quarterback Beau Pribula played a key role in a special offensive package throughout the season but announced his transfer intentions after starting quarterback Drew Allar confirmed his return for another season. Pribula’s decision to leave just before the playoffs may present a minor distraction for the Nittany Lions.

Weather Could Be a Major Factor

The weather is expected to play a significant role in this matchup. With temperatures below 30 degrees, snow on the ground, and high winds forecasted, the conditions at Beaver Stadium favor Penn State, which is accustomed to playing in freezing temperatures. SMU, by contrast, may struggle to adapt to these challenging conditions.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterbacks

• Penn State: Drew Allar has thrived under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, completing 69.1% of his passes for 2,894 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2024. Confident and capable of stretching the field, Allar will challenge SMU’s defense.
• SMU: Kevin Jennings, who took over midseason, led the Mustangs to a 9-0 record as a starter. Jennings is a dual-threat quarterback with 3,050 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. His ability to extend plays with his legs will test Penn State’s defense.

Offense

• Penn State: Tight end Tyler Warren, the 2024 Mackey Award winner, is a versatile weapon. Warren has 1,062 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns, and one passing touchdown, making him a key player for SMU to stop.
• SMU: Brashard Smith transitioned from wide receiver to running back in 2024, earning first-team All-ACC honors with 1,270 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. His agility and ability to break tackles make him a threat to Penn State’s defense.

Defense

• Penn State: Defensive end Abdul Carter made CBS Sports’ All-America First Team with 10 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections in 2024.
• SMU: Safety Isaiah Nwokobia, a first-team All-ACC selection, leads SMU’s defense with 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and three pass breakups.

What to Expect

This game is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting potent offenses. However, Penn State’s home-field advantage and familiarity with cold weather conditions could give them the edge. Look for the Nittany Lions to secure a hard-fought 35-21 victory, potentially breaking head coach James Franklin’s streak of losses in big games.

Fans can watch the game on TNT, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM.