The SMU Mustangs‘ Cinderella story came to an abrupt, quick ending during their visit to the Penn State Nittany Lions. A disastrous first half by the Mustangs was too much to overcome for Rhett Lashlee’s team, as they fell 38-10 to Penn State and bid their NCAA season farewell. This loss marks a significant moment for the Mustangs, who had hoped to make a deeper run in the playoffs.
The Mustangs trailed 28-0 at the half, and despite what Lashlee could have told his players to rally a comeback at Beaver Stadium, the deficit was ultimately too big to revert. The atmosphere was electric, and the Nittany Lions’ home crowd was ready to support their team. But the Mustangs seemed overwhelmed, unable to find their rhythm in such a hostile environment.
The offensive performance from the Mustangs was embarrassing. Quarterback Kevin Jennings struggled tremendously against Penn State’s defense, as he threw three interceptions (all during the first half), with two being returned for defensive touchdowns. This kind of performance in a playoff game is tough to swallow, especially for a team that had worked so hard to get to this point.
SMU knew they’d be walking into a hostile environment in the home of the Nittany Lions, but they couldn’t get their footing on the ground. However, head coach Rhett Lashlee doesn’t believe his team’s shortcomings were caused by one of the rowdiest home crowds in college football. “We got what we expected,” Lashlee said. “I don’t think we burned time-outs because of the crowd per se, but I thought 95% of the game we handled the crowd great. First half we didn’t have any issues. It was that third quarter we got down on the endzone where the student section was…The crowd was definitely a factor there, and, you know, it showed.”
The Nittany Lions, on the other hand, were able to capitalize on the Mustangs’ mistakes and take control of the game early. Drew Allar, the quarterback for Penn State, had a quiet outing—neither spectacular nor disappointing. He finished the game with 13 completions out of 22 pass attempts for 127 passing yards with no touchdowns. Some might argue that the dominant defensive performance overshadowed his contributions, but Allar was quick to dismiss any criticism.
“I don’t care what anybody says about me or my team or my coach,” Allar stated after the game. “At the end of the day, our process is our process. The only opinions that matter are the ones in the Lasch building. Me personally, I don’t care what anybody says about me from the outside.” This attitude reflects a strong sense of unity within the Nittany Lions’ locker room, emphasizing their focus on internal growth rather than external opinions.
As the dust settles from this matchup, the Mustangs are left to reflect on their season. They showed promise and resilience throughout the year, but this loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with competing at such a high level. It’s a tough lesson, but one that could fuel their determination for the future.
In the midst of this game, another storyline emerged: the future of Beau Pribula, Penn State’s backup quarterback. Although Pribula had initially stated his intent to stay with the Nittany Lions during their College Football Playoff journey, the realities of the transfer portal began to loom large. With limited opportunities for playing time, he made the difficult decision to move on from the program, seeking a chance to become a starting quarterback elsewhere.
After days of careful consideration, Pribula has reached a decision and will transfer to the Missouri Tigers. With this announcement, Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz has added a promising quarterback to his program for the 2025 season in the SEC. This move not only opens new doors for Pribula but also highlights the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where players are constantly seeking the best opportunities to showcase their talents.
As for Penn State, their focus shifts towards their upcoming quarterfinal matchup. On December 31, the Nittany Lions will take on the Boise State Broncos at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. With the momentum from this victory, they will look to carry their success into the next round, aiming for a championship run.
In summary, the SMU Mustangs faced a harsh reality in their playoff exit against the Penn State Nittany Lions. While the Mustangs will need to regroup and learn from this experience, Penn State is poised to continue their journey in the postseason. The world of college football is filled with highs and lows, and as we look ahead, it’s clear that every game carries its weight in shaping the future of these young athletes.
