SMU and Penn State prepare for pivotal College Football Playoff matchup
apnews.com — December 19, 2024, 05:01 PM UTC
SMU and Penn State, both with 11-2 records, will face off in the first round of the expanded College Football Playoff. This matchup marks a significant opportunity for both teams, as they aim to prove their worth in a competitive field. Penn State has struggled to reach the playoffs in previous years but finally secured a spot. The Nittany Lions are determined to capitalize on this chance, while SMU seeks to upset the higher-seeded team in challenging winter conditions. Penn State will be without backup quarterback Beau Pribula, who entered the transfer portal. Freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer will step in as the backup to starter Drew Allar, who has yet to take a snap in a playoff game.