SMU vs. Penn State: Predictions, odds for College Football Playoff first round
The upcoming College Football Playoff first-round game is a highly anticipated event, featuring the SMU Mustangs against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium to kick off the Saturday action.
Despite a 45-37 loss to Oregon in the Big Ten championship game, Penn State had a successful season, finishing with an 11-2 record and securing second place in the Big Ten Conference. This impressive performance earned them the No. 6 seed in the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions are led by quarterback Drew Allar, who has had an excellent showing at home games this season with a 69.1% completion rate, 1,422 passing yards, and eight touchdowns against two interceptions this season.
The Mustangs, with their 11-2 record, have shown resilience and determination. Despite a 34-31 loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship game due to a last-minute field goal, SMU demonstrated their worthiness for a spot in the CFP and secured the No. 11 seed in the bracket. Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings has a 66% completion rate, 3,050 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Here is what to know ahead of the CFP first-round showdown between SMU and Penn State.
CFP first-round predictions: SMU vs. Penn State
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."
CFP first-round odds, lines: SMU vs. Penn State
The Penn State Nittany Lions are favorites to defeat the SMU Mustangs, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Wednesday, Dec. 18.
- Spread: Penn State (-8.5)
- Moneylines: Penn State (-350); SMU (+260)
- Over/under: 54.5
How to watch SMU vs. Penn State in CFP first round
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
- Time: Noon ET
- TV: TNT
- Stream: Max and Sling
- Where: Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA)
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