In the first round of the College Football Playoff, the No. 6 seed Penn State Nittany Lions Lions showcased their dominance with a powerful performance against the No. 11 seeded SMU Mustangs, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. They will face the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The Mustangs faced challenges in the first half as quarterback Kevin Jennings struggled with the weather and atmosphere at Happy Valley, resulting in three interceptions that created a significant deficit. Meanwhile, Drew Allar effectively led the Nittany Lions offense, helping the team secure an impressive 28-0 lead by halftime.
After halftime, the Mustangs scored their first points with a field goal, but the Nittany Lions quickly responded, increasing their lead to 31-3. Despite SMU’s efforts to stay competitive, Penn State ultimately took control of the game. The Nittany Lions proved too strong on both offense and defense, defeating the Mustangs with a final score of 38-10.
Here is all the action from the first-round CFP game against Penn State vs. SMU.
College Football Playoff: Penn State vs. SMU highlights
Nittany Lions get on board with Pick-6
Jennings tosses second Pick-6
Jennings make it three interceptions in the first half
Penn State continues to dominate
Updated College Football Playoff bracket
First round: Friday, Dec. 20:
Game 1: No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17, FINAL
First round: Saturday, Dec. 21:
Game 2: No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10, FINAL
Game 3: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson, 4 p.m. (TNT) – Watch on Sling
Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN) – Watch on Fubo
The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year’s weekend at the site of four bowl games, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1.
Quarterfinals: Tuesday, Dec. 31:
Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Quarterfinals: Wednesday, Jan. 1:
Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson winner, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee winner, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Semifinals: Thursday, Jan. 9:
Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Semifinals: Friday, Jan. 10:
Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Final: Monday, Jan. 20:
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Penn State defeats SMU 38-10
The Penn State Nittany Lions defeat the SMU Mustangs 38-10 to advance in the College Football Playoff.
SMU scores first touchdown
Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings is determined to succeed and connects with Roderick Daniel Jr. for a 28-yard touchdown, marking SMU’s first trip to the end zone in this game. With 7:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, Penn State leads 38-10.
Grunkemeyer throws interception
Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw the Nittany Lions’ first interception of the game, which was caught by Brandon Crossley of SMU. The Mustangs will begin their possession at the Penn State 42-yard line. With 8:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, Penn State leads SMU 38-3.
Penn State in control
Kaytron Allen of the Nittany Lions made a 6-yard run to secure a first down, followed by Nicholas Singleton, who added an 18-yard run for another first down. The momentum continued as Drew Allar handed the ball off to Allen, who ran 4 yards into the end zone. With 12:56 left in the fourth quarter, Penn State leads 38-3.
SMU’s woes continue
Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings is struggling to find his rhythm, but Brashard Smith helps turn things around by securing a much-needed first down after a penalty on Penn State’s Audavion Collons, bringing the team to the 50-yard line. Jennings then seems to gain some momentum as he completes a 22-yard pass to Jordan Hudson while directing his teammates. However, he is unable to evade Abdul Carter, who sacks him for an 18-yard loss, resulting in a forced field goal attempt. Collin Rogers comes out to attempt a 42-yard field goal but misses. With 3:22 left in the third quarter, Penn State leads SMU 31-3.
Penn State extend the lead with a field goal
Following an onside kick, the Nittany Lions began their drive at the SMU 48-yard line. However, quarterback Drew Allar struggled to move the offense against the tough Mustang defense. The Nittany Lions then called on kicker Ryan Barker, who successfully made a 40-yard field goal, extending their lead to 31-3 with 8:13 remaining in the third quarter.
SMU settles for a field goal
The Mustangs’ offense started strong after halftime, successfully moving into field goal range. Kicker Collin Rogers then came in and made a 28-yard field goal, putting SMU on the board for the first time. Penn State currently leads 38-3 with 10:42 remaining in the third quarter.
Penn State scores again before halftime
The Nittany Lions handed it off to Nicholas Singleton for a 1-yard touchdown, marking his eighth touchdown of the season and extending the lead to 28-0 before halftime against SMU.
SMU’s risk doesn’t pay off
After a review, a fumble that was initially ruled on the field was overturned, giving SMU a much-needed lifeline. SMU took a risk on 4th and 3, but unfortunately, it didn’t pay off as Jennings took a hard sack. Penn State will take over at the SMU 31-yard line. With 2:45 remaining in the second quarter, Penn State leads 21-0.
Penn State extends the lead
A five-yard penalty for a false start momentarily stalls the Nittany Lions, but Drew Allar takes charge and secures the first down. A clever trick play using a flea flicker gains them additional yards. Allar passes the ball to Kaytron Allen, who runs it in for a 25-yard touchdown. With 5:00 remaining in the second quarter, Penn State leads 21-0.
Jennings throws another interception
Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings continues to struggle, throwing another interception as Nittany Lions’ Dominic DeLuca returns it for 14 yards to the PSU 25-yard line. Penn State leads 14-0 with 8:06 remaining in the second quarter.
SMU defense gets it done
Drew Allar attempted to run for 1 yard to gain a first down, but the Mustang defense stopped him. The Mustangs will take over at the Penn State 19-yard line. Currently, Penn State is leading 14-0 with 8:35 remaining in the second quarter.
Jennings pass incomplete
Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings’ pass intended for Roderick Daniels Jr. was incomplete, and SMU was forced to punt. Penn State’s Zion Tracy caught the ball at the PSU 10. Penn State leads 14-0 with 10:07 left in the second quarter.
Penn State 14, SMU 0: Jennings tosses second Pick-6
Daniels Jr. grabbed a Jennings pass for 20 yards. And that was about it for the offense. A boisterous crowd at Beaver Stadium leads to an SMU timeout.
That’s when things went from loud to deafening and from bad to worse. Jennings tosses a perfect throw to the wrong team. Penn State’s Tony Rojas picks it off and goes nearly 60 yards for the game’s second Pick-6.
First Quarter: Penn State 7, SMU 0
Save for a Pick-6 from Dominic DeLuca and some early success from Singleton on the ground, this game, and its frigid conditions have stifled both offenses a bit.
If you take the mistake from Jennings that led to six, this game is fairly even on paper with Penn State garnering five first downs to SMU’s three. The Nittany Lions are winning the passing game while SMU has more rushing yards, 32 to 23.
Penn State turns it over after long fourth-down attempt
Frigid conditions perhaps played into the decision for Penn State to go for it on fourth and 13. Regardless, it was a fruitless endeavor as SMU gets the ball back at the 29.
Penn State makes quick work of SMU
If Kevin Jennings was going to answer for the interception, it won’t be immediately. Three unsuccessful runs by Brashard Smith led to a shanked punt out of bounds at the 32.
Penn State will take over with momentum and the lead.
Penn State 7, SMU 0: Nittany Lions get on board with Pick-6
Kevin Jennings’s ill-timed pass is intercepted by Dominic DeLuca. The first-quarter hero returns it 21 yards for a touchdown.
Penn State out on downs once again
The Nittany Lions can’t get a consistent measure of momentum. After Allar tosses an incomplete pass to Riley Thompson, the SMU Mustangs will take over after corralling a 33-yard punt. No score with six minutes to go.
SMU get creative but come up empty
Kevin Jennings, instead of handing the ball off, kept the rock and slid to the right in a gutsy move that very nearly paid off. Matthew Hibner gets hands on it near the one but is hit and the Mustangs turn the ball over on downs.
Penn State punts
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar felt the pressure and was unable to generate any offensive momentum during the first possession, leading the Nittany Lions to punt. The Mustangs took over at their own 32-yard line with 13:20 remaining in the first half.
When is the College Football Playoff between SMU and Penn State?
The College Football Playoff first-round game between the SMU Mustangs and the Penn State Nittany Lions kicks off at 12 p.m. ET at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.
How to watch SMU vs. Penn State in College Football Playoff game
The College Football Playoff first-round game between the SMU Mustangs and the Penn State Nittany Lions will be televised nationally on TNT and streamed on Max.
Live streaming is also available on Sling.
Catch College Football Playoff games on TNT with Sling
SMU vs. Penn State odds, line
The Penn State NIttany Lions are the favorites to defeat the SMU Mustangs in this first-round College Football Playoff game, according to the BetMGM college football odds on Saturday morning.
Spread: Penn State (-8.5)
Moneyline: Penn State (-350); SMU (+260)
Over/under: 52.5
Bowl game picks
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.
CFP first-round predictions: Penn State vs. SMU
USA TODAY: No. 6 Penn State over No. 11 SMU
Paul Myerberg writes: ‘Make no mistake, the Mustangs have the firepower on offense to ride into Happy Valley and knock off Penn State. They need to create an up-tempo, high-scoring matchup with quarterback Kevin Jennings using his dual-threat ability. But that’s easier said than done given the Nittany Lions’ ferocious defense. Like Texas, the Nittany Lions need a solid game from Drew Allar at quarterback but has room for error against the ACC runner-up because of its running game with Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.’
ESPN: Penn State has a 67% chance to win
According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Penn State Nittany Lions have a 67.2% chance to beat the SMU Mustangs in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
College Football Network: Penn State 34, SMU 24
James Fragoza writes: ‘Both teams are tight in most categories, but the Mustangs don’t have any meaningful edge, with the Nittany Lions even leading in penalty yards per game committed (45 to 79), turnover margin (+5 to 0), and time of possession (30:40 to 28:26). The only reason not to back Penn State is Franklin’s propensity to fall flat under the brightest of lights, but I think that comes into play further into the postseason.’
Where is College GameDay for College Football Playoff?
‘College GameDay’ is not taking any time off in the postseason. In fact, they are giving fans double the entertainment. The show broadcast on Friday, Dec. 20 ahead of the Indiana vs. Notre Dame game at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Not to rest on their laurels, they will pick up and cover CFP games on Saturday at 9 a.m. ET from Columbus, Ohio, which is where we will get to see No. 9 seed Tennessee take on No. 8 seed Ohio State at 8 p.m. ET.
SMU vs. Penn State all-time record
This will be the third meeting between the SMU Mustangs and the Penn State Nittany Lions. In their most recent encounter in 1978, the Nittany Lions won 26-21. In their first encounter, the two teams tied 13-13 in the 1947 Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
College Football Playoff bracket: CFP schedule
The first round of the College Football Playoff began with one game on Friday, Dec. 19 and conclude with three games scheduled for Dec. 20.
All times Eastern
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
Game 1: No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Game 2: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU, noon (TNT)
Game 3: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson, 4 p.m. (TNT)
Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)
CFP quarterfinals schedule
The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1. All games will be televised by ESPN.
All times Eastern
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State/SMU winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson winner, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee winner, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)
CFP semifinals schedule
The semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. Both games will be televised by ESPN.
All times Eastern
THURSDAY, JAN. 9
Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
FRIDAY, JAN. 10
Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
CFP national championship game schedule
MONDAY, JAN. 20
Game: Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
CFP rankings
Oregon (Big Ten champion, No. 1 seed)*
Georgia (SEC champion, No. 2 seed)*
Texas (No. 5 seed)
Penn State (No. 6 seed)
Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)
Ohio State (No. 8 seed)
Tennessee (No. 9 seed)
Indiana (No. 10 seed)
Boise State (MWC champion, No. 3 seed)*
SMU (No. 11 seed)
Alabama
Arizona State (Big 12 champion, No. 4 seed)*
Miami
Mississippi
South Carolina
Clemson (ACC champion, No. 12 seed)**
*first-round bye; **automatic bye
How many teams are in the College Football Playoff 2024?
In the 2024-25 season, 12 teams will qualify for the College Football Playoff. The top five conference champions will earn automatic bids, with the top four earning a first-round bye. The remaining seven highest-ranked teams will complete the 12-team field.
Bowl seasons change: What to do about college football’s postseason?
The timing is good to think about changes. In 2026, when all the current agreements expire, the College Football Playoff is likely to expand to 14 teams. That will undoubtedly have a downstream impact on the bowls, of which there are currently 35 outside of those tied to the playoff.
The reality check here is bowl season, for all its problems, is inexorably linked to ESPN’s December programming schedule. In fact, ESPN owns and operates 17 of those games itself and has broadcast agreements with nearly all of the others. Good luck convincing college football’s most important business partner that bowl games are no longer worthwhile when they’re filling television windows over the holidays that generate more viewers than the NBA, college basketball or NHL regular season games that would likely take their place. — Dan Wolken
Best college football quarterbacks in the transfer portal
Half of the teams in this year’s College Football Playoff are starting a transfer quarterback, including both teams in Friday night’s playoff opener between Indiana and Notre Dame. Last year’s transfer class included Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Ohio State’s Will Howard and Miami’s Cam Ward. Gabriel and Ward were Heisman Trophy finalists.
The crop of top passers in this year’s transfer cycle has much less star power but could carry a similar impact on the 2025 season. Click here for our analysis and breakdown of the best quarterbacks on the transfer market, including quarterbacks who have already signed with new schools. — Paul Myerberg
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