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In the first round of the College Football Playoff, No. 6 Penn State showcased its dominance on both sides of the ball, crushing No. 11 SMU 38-3 at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions relied on a stifling defense, including two first-half pick-sixes and a powerful ground game, to secure the victory and advance to face No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Setting the Tone Early
Penn State’s defense made a statement from the outset, with linebacker Dominic DeLuca intercepting SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings on the Mustangs’ opening drive. DeLuca returned the interception 23 yards for a touchdown, giving the Nittany Lions an early 7-0 lead.
Jennings’ struggles continued later in the first quarter, throwing another interception to Tony Rojas, who returned it 59 yards for Penn State’s second defensive touchdown. These turnovers gave Penn State a commanding 14-0 lead and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Defensive Dominance
Penn State’s defense was relentless, forcing three interceptions and holding SMU to just 218 total yards. The Mustangs, known for their high-powered offense led by Jennings and running back Brashard Smith, were unable to find a rhythm. Smith was limited to 43 yards on 17 carries, and SMU’s offense failed to reach the end zone.
The Nittany Lions tallied 10 tackles for loss and sacked Jennings three times, with linebacker Abdul Carter leading the charge. SMU’s best opportunity came in the third quarter when they drove into the red zone but were forced to settle for a field goal after multiple penalties stalled their momentum.
Ground Game Fuels Nittany Lions
On offense, Penn State leaned heavily on its running backs. Kaytron Allen rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard score in the second quarter that extended the lead to 21-0. Nicholas Singleton added 66 yards and a touchdown as the Nittany Lions averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
Quarterback Drew Allar managed the game efficiently, completing 13 of 23 passes for 127 yards. While the passing attack didn’t produce any touchdowns, it complemented the ground game and controlled the clock, keeping SMU’s offense off the field.
Initial Thoughts vs. Reality
The pre-game analysis highlighted the matchup between SMU’s explosive offense and Penn State’s elite defense. The Nittany Lions’ defense delivered far beyond expectations, holding SMU to a single field goal and scoring two defensive touchdowns. Kevin Jennings, who entered the game with just eight interceptions on the season, threw three in the first half alone.
Penn State’s offensive strategy also matched predictions, as they exploited SMU’s undersized linebackers and controlled the game through their running attack. SMU’s inability to handle Penn State’s physicality in the trenches was a decisive factor.
*Please note I compiled the final stats for this article with 10 minutes to go in the 4th QTR of a 38-3 game.
Key Stats
Penn State:
Kaytron Allen: 13 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs
Nicholas Singleton: 10 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
Dominic DeLuca: 2 INTs, 1 returned for a touchdown
Tony Rojas: 1 INT, 1 returned for a touchdown
SMU:
Kevin Jennings: 17 of 33, 158 yards, 3 INTs
Brashard Smith: 17 carries, 43 yards
Total Yards: 218
What’s Next?
Penn State advances to the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face No. 3 Boise State on New Year’s Eve. The Nittany Lions will look to maintain their momentum, particularly on defense, as they prepare to face a balanced Boise State offense.
For SMU, the loss caps a successful 11-3 season, but their inability to match Penn State’s physicality in the trenches exposed areas for improvement. With a young core led by Jennings and Smith, the Mustangs will aim to build on their playoff experience moving forward.
Penn State’s commanding victory underscores their playoff credentials and sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing quarterfinal matchup.