Penn State Nittany Lions face SMU Mustangs in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff. Key players include Penn State's Drew Allar and SMU's Kevin Jennings. Penn State is favored to win, with a spread of -8.5. The game is set for December 21 at Beaver Stadium, airing on TNT.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 College Football Playoff, the Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face off against the SMU Mustangs in a thrilling first-round matchup. Both teams enter the playoff with impressive records, each boasting 11-2 seasons. This game marks only the third meeting between the two teams, with their last encounter taking place over 45 years ago. With Penn State favored to win, the game promises to be a competitive clash, showcasing some of college football's most promising talents.
Penn State's junior quarterback Drew Allar is a standout player for the Nittany Lions. Allar has completed 224 of 324 passes for 2,894 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. His performance has been crucial in Penn State's successful campaign, and he will be a key player to watch against SMU. On the other side, SMU's sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings is a dual-threat, having thrown for 3,050 yards and 22 touchdowns while also being a significant rushing threat. Both quarterbacks will be instrumental in their teams' offensive strategies, making them pivotal figures in this playoff showdown.
The Nittany Lions are entering the game as 8.5-point favorites, according to SportsLine consensus. With a strong home record of 6-1, Penn State is expected to leverage its home-field advantage at Beaver Stadium. The over/under for total points scored is set at 54, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair. Penn State's defense, ranked ninth in defensive net points per drive, will be a critical factor in containing SMU's offense, which ranks 28th in offensive net points per drive. Experts predict a Penn State victory with a final score of 34-24.
The highly anticipated matchup between Penn State and SMU will kick off at noon ET on December 21. Fans can catch the action live on TNT, with streaming options available on Max, DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu with Live TV. This game is part of the first round of the College Football Playoff, adding to the excitement as teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals against the Boise State Broncos. With comprehensive coverage and multiple viewing options, fans can enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes.
As Penn State and SMU prepare to face off in the College Football Playoff, all eyes will be on the key players and strategic matchups that could determine the outcome of this crucial game. With both teams having strong seasons and talented rosters, the game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can look forward to a competitive contest, with Penn State slightly favored to advance to the next round. Whether watching on TV or streaming online, this playoff game is not to be missed.
"Drew Allar’s decision-making is exceptional—he protects the ball and evades sacks in situations where most college QBs would fold." - College Football Network