The Penn State Nittany Lions (12-2) hosted the Southern Methodist University Mustangs (11-3) on Saturday afternoon from Beaver Stadium in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Penn State’s offense had 325 yards (136 yards passing, 189 yards rushing), and 18 first downs in a 38-10 win over the Mustangs.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar completed 13 of 22 passes (59%) for 127 yards, and seven carries for 10 yards. Running back Nicholas Singleton had 14 carries for 90 yards, one touchdown, and two catches for seven yards, while Kaytron Allen had 11 carries for 70 yards, two touchdowns, and two catches for 28 yards.
Tight End Tyler Warren made four catches for 33 yards, and Harrison Wallace III made four catches for 48 yards. Penn State’s defense made 69 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, two touchdowns, and three pass breakups.
SMU had 253 yards on offense (195 yards passing, 58 yards rushing), and 21 first downs. Quarterback Kevin Jennings completed 20 of 36 passes (56%) for 195 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and eight carries for -25 yards. Running back Brashard Smith had 18 carries for 62 yards and four catches for 24 yards.
Wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. made four catches for 64 yards, and one touchdown, while Jordan Hudson made four catches for 40 yards. SMU’s defense made 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and one pass breakup.
Penn State will now face the Boise State Broncos in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 7:30 pm on ESPN. Purchase Penn State tickets today on StubHub, and Viagogo.
