Penn State Defeats SMU 38-10 in Playoff

In their first College Football Playoff appearance, No. 6 seed Penn State dominated No. 11 seed SMU with a 38-10 victory, showcasing a powerful defense that forced three turnovers, including two pick-sixes. The Nittany Lions' defense limited SMU to just 10 points and 253 total yards, while the offense, led by running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, amassed 181 rushing yards. Quarterback Drew Allar contributed with 127 passing yards but struggled to find his rhythm. This win marked James Franklin's 100th victory at Penn State and propelled the team into the quarterfinals against Boise State. Despite the convincing win, there are concerns about Allar's performance and the team's overall readiness for tougher competition. The game highlighted the importance of a strong defensive performance in the playoffs, reinforcing the adage that defense wins championships.