Penn State Defeats SMU in Playoff Debut

Penn State secured its first College Football Playoff victory with a decisive 38-10 win over SMU, showcasing a formidable defense that generated three turnovers, including two pick-sixes by Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas. The Nittany Lions struggled offensively in the first half but rebounded in the second, with a strong run game led by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Coach James Franklin praised his team's defensive performance, calling it the best he had seen in a half, while quarterback Drew Allar emphasized the importance of their internal process. The victory sets up a quarterfinal matchup against Boise State on December 31, where Penn State is expected to continue its momentum. Fans celebrated the win in a packed Beaver Stadium, reflecting a sense of optimism for the program's future in national competition. Despite the win, analysts note the pressure remains on the Nittany Lions to perform in the next round to quell any lingering doubts about their playoff legitimacy.