The Penn State Nittany Lions overwhelmed the SMU Mustangs 38-10, advancing to the Fiesta Bowl to face Boise State.
at Beaver Stadium in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Penn State will head to Arizona to take on No. 3 seed Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. Here’s how the Nittany Lions got there.Penn State’s defense spoiled Kevin Jennings’ playoff debut, forcing three first-half interceptions that helped the Nittany Lions run away with the victory. Jennings, who threw eight interceptions before Saturday’s game, was under constant pressure Saturday.
The Mustangs also had a chance to score on their opening drive of the game on a fourth-and-1. Jennings threw behind tight end Matthew Hibner, who was open at the goal line on a play-action bootleg. With a touchdown catch there, SMU would’ve taken a 7-0 lead, and the game could’ve unfolded very differently.
“Penn State deserves a ton of credit,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. “I mean, that's going to be a hard out for Boise and whoever else gets to play them.”Penn State’s offense got off to a rocky start, punting on its first two drives and turning the ball over on downs on its next two possessions. Thanks to mistakes from SMU, the Nittany Lions weren’t punished for the slow start offensively.
“They're the best backfield in America, and I truly believe that, and it starts up front at the end of the day for us in both the run and pass game,” Allar said. “But when you have guys like Nick and Kaytron on the team that make a lot of guys miss, it just really helps our offense flow as a whole.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penn State Football: Is SMU 'America's Team' for its Playoff Visit to Penn State?Before visiting Penn State for the College Football Playoff, SMU football coach Rhett Lashlee said the Mustangs felt like 'America's Team.'
Read more »
Penn State Football: Penn State's James Franklin Wants a Word With College Football'I'm concerned for college football right now,' Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin said about the 'no-win' situation quarterback Beau Pribula faced in transferring.
Read more »
Penn State Football: Penn State Unveils Complete 2025 Football ScheduleThe Penn State Nittany Lions will host Oregon and visit Ohio State on its 2025 football schedule.
Read more »
College Football Playoff: Penn State Shuts Down SMU, Will Face Boise State in Fiesta BowlPenn State and SMU squared off in the first round of the CFP with Penn State advancing.
Read more »
Penn State 2025 Football Schedule: Penn State-Oregon Game Scheduled for 2025Penn State's 2025 football schedule got a sneak peek with the release of the Penn State vs. Oregon game, which also could be the White Out.
Read more »
Penn State Football: Penn State Turns 4th Down Into a Huge Win Over MinnesotaThe Penn State Nittany Lions convert three fourth-down plays, one on a fake punt, to seal a 26-25 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Read more »