College Football Playoffs Preview: Penn St Nittany Lions vs. SMU Mustangs
At Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, a riveting College Football playoffs game will take place between the SMU Mustangs (11-2) and the Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2). This matchup is expected to be a historic college football matchup with the team that emerges victorious from this matchup, moving on to compete against Boise State Broncos (12-1).
24, a riveting playoff game between the SMU Mustangs (11-2) and the Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) is scheduled to take place. This matchup is expected to be a historic college football matchup with the team that emerges victorious
The action on the field will create a blazing spectacle despite snowy weather being forecasted that day.
A nail-biter in 1978, in which Penn State prevailed against SMU by a score of 26-21, will be rematched in this game. This year, however, both teams have come equipped with strong capabilities and strategies, which promises to make for an exciting battle.
On the strength of an incredible 11-2 season, Penn State has finally secured a position in the College Football playoffs this year, fulfilling a decade-long wait to participate.
The fact that they have a poor record in their last eight bowl games (3-5) and that head coach James Franklin has had a mixed performance will not stop them from being a strong contender for the championship this year.
Penn State has demonstrated an outstanding defense, with a secondary that allows just 5.2 yards per dropback.
On the other hand, Southern Methodist University has been yearning for a bowl victory since 2012, when they defeated Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. Since then, they have lost four consecutive games.
Rhett Lashlee, the head coach of SMU’s high-powered offensive unit, has led the team to a top-four national ranking with an excellent pass assault. However, their rushing assault leaves much to be desired, and they may encounter significant resistance from the superb defense that Penn State possesses.
With a record that ranks third among all FBS schools in terms of yards allowed per successful rush, the defensive front of the Mustangs has been robust and underrated!
Penn State’s formidable defense is the factor that will give them the advantage in this College Football Playoffs semifinal matchup.
On the other hand, the Nittany Lions might need help covering the 8.5-point spread that BetOnline has established. What is our forecast?
While we believe that Penn State will emerge victorious, SMU’s formidable offensive will be sufficient for them to cover the spread.