STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Two pick-sixes, three rushing touchdowns, and three sacks later, Penn State has booked a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. The Nittany Lions showcased their dominance in their first-ever College Football Playoff game, defeating SMU 38-10 in a matchup that was as thrilling as it was decisive.
Penn State’s Path to Victory
The Nittany Lions took control early, with their defense forcing turnovers that set the tone for the game. Linebackers Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas each snagged a pass from Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings, returning them for touchdowns. Before the offensive unit even found its rhythm, Penn State had already established a commanding 14-0 lead.
As the first half unfolded, Jennings continued to struggle, throwing a third interception that further compounded SMU’s woes. Behind the powerful running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, Penn State’s ground game began to dominate. The pair combined for an impressive 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing their ability to control the game on the ground.
First Half Highlights
The Nittany Lions entered halftime with a staggering 28-0 lead. Penn State’s defense was relentless, not only intercepting Jennings three times but also applying constant pressure, resulting in three sacks. This defensive performance was crucial, as it stifled any offensive momentum SMU hoped to build.
Despite the cold temperatures at Beaver Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. With an attendance of 106,013, the crowd roared as Penn State continued to pile on the points. Quarterback Drew Allar, who finished the game with 127 passing yards and no touchdowns, didn’t need to take many risks, thanks to the stellar play of his defense and running backs.
Game Breakdown
As the game progressed into the second half, Penn State maintained its grip on the contest. Allen scored his second touchdown early in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 38-3, effectively sealing the victory. SMU finally found the end zone late in the game with a touchdown pass from Jennings to Roderick Daniels Jr., but it was too little, too late.
The final score of 38-10 not only marked a significant achievement for James Franklin’s squad, improving their overall record to 12-2, but also set the stage for a potential National Championship appearance. Meanwhile, SMU’s impressive run through the 2024 regular season and into the playoffs came to a disappointing end.
Key Stats and Performances
- Final Score: Penn State 38, SMU 10
- Penn State’s Rushing Duo: Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
- Turnovers: Penn State intercepted Kevin Jennings three times, with two of those resulting in pick-sixes.
- Defensive Dominance: The Nittany Lions recorded three sacks and applied consistent pressure throughout the game.
Looking Ahead: Fiesta Bowl Matchup
With this victory, Penn State has earned a spot in the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face No. 3 seed Boise State on New Year’s Eve. This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for the Nittany Lions to continue their journey toward a national title. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this team, riding high on momentum, will perform against a formidable opponent.
Game Recap and Highlights
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights throughout the game, capturing the excitement of Penn State’s historic playoff debut. Here’s a recap of key moments:
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First Quarter:
- 12:31 p.m. – Touchdown by Dominic DeLuca on a pick-six, bringing the score to 7-0.
- 12:59 p.m. – Another pick-six by Tony Rojas extends the lead to 14-0.
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Second Quarter:
- 1:20 p.m. – Kaytron Allen scores on a 25-yard run, making it 21-0.
- 1:39 p.m. – Nicholas Singleton adds a touchdown, pushing the score to 28-0 at halftime.
- Fourth Quarter:
- 2:54 p.m. – Allen scores again, extending the lead to 38-3.
- 3:13 p.m. – SMU finally finds the end zone, but the game ends with a score of 38-10.
Upcoming Challenges
As Penn State prepares for Boise State, they will need to build on their strengths while addressing any weaknesses exposed during the game against SMU. The combination of a powerful rushing attack and a tenacious defense will be key as they aim for a national championship.
The excitement surrounding the Nittany Lions is palpable, and fans are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a remarkable playoff run. With the Fiesta Bowl on the horizon, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Penn State football history. Can they continue their winning ways and make a serious push for the national title? Only time will tell!
