Penn State to Face SMU in CFP First Round

The sixth-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face the 11th-seeded SMU Mustangs in the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) on December 21 at Beaver Stadium. Both teams are coming off losses in their respective conference championship games, with Penn State losing to Oregon and SMU falling to Clemson. SMU, making its CFP debut, boasts a strong season record of 11-2, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings and running back Brashard Smith, while Penn State aims to overcome its playoff struggles. The game is expected to be a challenging contest, with Penn State favored by 8.5 points due to its home-field advantage and overall roster strength. This matchup also holds historical significance, as both teams have contended for national titles in the past. The atmosphere is anticipated to be electric, with a White Out planned for the occasion, enhancing the playoff experience for both programs.