SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State is a solid team with a punishing run game. But, the Nittany Lions haven’t seen anything like SMU’s Kevin Jennings. He can run, throw, and do both at the same time. Jennings helped MSU come back from down 21-7 to Clemson to secure this spot in the playoff. He's just as capable of doing it again against Penn State — or at least enough to keep this game close.

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Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is always a threat, scoring 10 touchdowns on the season. He can score receiving or rushing, too.

With Penn State expected to win this game, they should have plenty of opportunity to score, and Warren is arguably the biggest scoring threat on the field whenever the Nittany Lions are near the goal line.

Check out a full SMU vs Penn State preview here.

Playing in the drop-back Big 10, Penn State hasn’t seen anything like Jennings, a dual-threat quarterback who ran and passed his way to 310 yards and four total TDs against Clemson. Jennings has rushed for five touchdowns this season, including two in his past three games, and will be the focal point of the Mustangs’ attack in State College.

Check out a full SMU vs Penn State preview here.

While Penn State fell short in the Big Ten Championship against Oregon, Drew Allar played one of his best games, flashing elite arm talent and physical upside that will excite NFL evaluators. SMU struggled to contain Cade Klubnik in the ACC Championship as the Clemson quarterback threw four touchdowns. With the benefit of extra time to prepare, expect offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to have a strong game plan as Allar leads Penn State to a decisive home win.

DISRESPECT. That can be the rocket fuel for a team that has been thrown under the bus, like SMU.

After the Mustangs lost to Clemson in the ACC title game, everyone, especially from the SEC was begging the committee to put Alabama in the final playoff spot.

Like the way that SMU came back from a 31-14 hole to lose by just three on a 56 yard FG. Not thrilled about laying 8 and a hook, but if the Mustangs are down big at the end of the first half, BUY the initials in the second half.

Trusting James Franklin to not choke in big games isn't easy to do, him falling Ohio State and Oregon this season just reiterates my point. SMU has a suffocating rush defense, allowing less than 100 yards per game, which should be enough to stifle Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Drew Allar has announced he will be returning to Penn State next year, which may dangerously unify him and the program even more. 

Still, this is the College Football Playoff. The Mustangs weren't even certain about clinching a spot and now, they have to prove they deserve to be there. I don't want to be responsible for undermining SMU, so I'm taking the underdog spread here.