Sixth-seeded Penn State (11-2, 8-1) is set to face off against the 11th-seeded SMU Mustangs (11-2, 8-0) in an exciting first-round College Football Playoff matchup this Saturday. Both teams come into this game with identical records, but their journeys to this point have been quite different.
The Nittany Lions are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 45-37 loss to the undefeated Oregon Ducks, which capped off an otherwise stellar regular season. This game against SMU marks a significant milestone for Penn State, as it will be their first appearance in a College Football Playoff game. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the team will respond after such a tough defeat.
On the other hand, the Mustangs also ended their regular season on a sour note, falling 34-31 to the Clemson Tigers. Despite this setback, SMU finished strong with an impressive 11-2 record, showcasing their resilience throughout the season. Both teams have a lot to prove, and this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest.
Historical context of the matchup
This game will be particularly special as it marks the first meeting between Penn State and SMU in nearly fifty years. The last time these two teams clashed was in 1978, where Penn State narrowly secured a victory with a score of 26-21. With such a long history, fans from both sides are excited to see how this rivalry will unfold on the field once again.
Penn State’s playoff journey
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their playoff debut, they bring a wealth of talent and experience to the table. Led by a strong coaching staff and a roster filled with dynamic players, they have demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level throughout the season. The loss to Oregon, while disappointing, may serve as a wake-up call, igniting a fire within the team to prove their worth in the playoffs.
The Nittany Lions’ offensive unit has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging over 30 points per game during the regular season. Quarterback performance, running back depth, and a solid receiving corps will be crucial as they look to exploit SMU’s defensive weaknesses.
SMU’s road to the playoffs
The Mustangs, meanwhile, have made a name for themselves this season with an impressive 8-0 conference record. They have shown their ability to win in various ways, whether through high-scoring shootouts or gritty defensive battles. Their loss to Clemson was a tough pill to swallow, but the Mustangs have proven they can bounce back and are ready to make a statement in the playoffs.
SMU’s offense is led by a talented quarterback and a versatile group of skill players who can make big plays. Their ability to adapt and execute under pressure will be tested against a formidable Penn State defense. The Mustangs are eager to showcase their talent on such a prominent stage.
Game details and how to listen
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in to the game on Saturday, December 21, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, creating an electric atmosphere for this playoff showdown.
For those who want to listen to the game on the radio, here are the details:
Penn State vs. SMU radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM channels 82 (SMU broadcast), 84 (Penn State broadcast)
Listeners can catch the live broadcast on SiriusXM, with SMU fans tuning into channel 82 and Penn State supporters on channel 84. This is a great way to stay connected to the game if you can’t watch it live.
Looking ahead: College Football Playoff schedule
The matchup between Penn State and SMU is just one of several exciting games in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Here’s a quick look at the schedule:
First round
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Fri., Dec. 20 | No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana | South Bend, Ind. | 8 p.m. | Buy now |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU | State College, Pa. | 12 p.m. | Buy now |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson | Austin, Texas | 4 p.m. | Buy now |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee | Columbus, Ohio | 8 p.m. | Buy now |
As the playoffs unfold, fans will be treated to thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as teams vie for a chance to compete for the national championship.
With both teams eager to make their mark, this game is set to be a memorable chapter in the storied history of college football. Who will rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: fans are in for a treat this Saturday!
