Amber Aniston • December 21, 2024

SMU’s Season Ends in a 38-10 Loss to Penn State in College Football Playoff

The SMU Mustangs’ historic season came to a disappointing close Saturday with a 38-10 loss to No. 6 Penn State in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Beaver Stadium. Despite a promising start to their first-ever playoff appearance, the Mustangs fell victim to two first-half pick-sixes and a suffocating Penn State defense, finishing their season at 11-3. 


For Penn State, the victory marked a strong response to their Big Ten Championship loss to Oregon and propelled them to the CFP quarterfinals, where they will face Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve. 




A Promising Start Turns Sour 

SMU entered the game with high hopes after a remarkable first season in the ACC, where they went undefeated in conference play and earned their spot in the CFP as the No. 11 seed. The Mustangs appeared poised to score early, driving deep into Penn State territory on their opening possession. However, a missed throw from quarterback Kevin Jennings to a wide-open Matthew Hibner at the goal line resulted in a turnover on downs. 


Penn State capitalized on the momentum shift, with linebacker Dominic DeLuca intercepting Jennings on the next drive and returning it 23 yards for a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Tony Rojas added another pick-six, weaving 59 yards through SMU defenders to give the Nittany Lions a commanding 14-0 lead. 


 

Penn State’s Defense Takes Over 

The Nittany Lions’ defense lived up to its billing as one of the best in the nation, holding SMU to season lows in both points (10) and total yardage (253). The Mustangs, who had averaged 38.5 points per game during the season, struggled to find any offensive rhythm. 


Jennings, whose stellar play fueled SMU’s ACC title game appearance, endured one of the toughest games of his career. The sophomore finished with 195 passing yards on 20-of-36 attempts, including three interceptions and a late touchdown pass. Mistakes and missed opportunities plagued SMU throughout the game, from dropped passes to poorly executed throws under pressure. 




Penn State’s Balanced Attack 

While the Nittany Lions’ defense dominated, their offense methodically extended the lead. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton combined for three touchdowns, including Allen’s 25-yard burst and Singleton’s powerful 1-yard plunge late in the first half. Quarterback Drew Allar, playing in freezing conditions, managed the game effectively, completing 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards. 


Penn State entered halftime with a 28-0 lead, and the game was effectively over. SMU’s struggles on both sides of the ball left them unable to mount a comeback, unlike their rally in the ACC Championship against Clemson. 


 

SMU’s Struggles Continue 

Despite flashes of brilliance during the regular season, Saturday’s loss highlighted areas for improvement as SMU transitions into the offseason. The Mustangs’ inability to execute in high-pressure moments and Jennings’ turnovers were key factors in the defeat. SMU also struggled to protect their quarterback, with Penn State recording three sacks and consistent pressure throughout the game. 


The loss ended an otherwise groundbreaking season for SMU, which included an undefeated regular-season conference run, their first ACC Championship appearance, and a CFP berth. Head coach Rhett Lashlee expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments but acknowledged the challenges they faced against Penn State. 



A Bright Future for SMU 

Despite the sour ending, SMU’s debut in the ACC and first playoff appearance represent a significant step forward for the program. The Mustangs have shown they can compete at the highest level, and their 11-win season sets the foundation for continued success. 


With key players like Jennings, wide receiver Jordan Hudson, and running back Brashard Smith expected to return, SMU has the talent to build on this year’s achievements. The team’s upcoming schedule, featuring marquee matchups against Miami, Clemson, and Louisville, will provide further opportunities to solidify their standing in the ACC and national rankings. 


 

Moving Forward 

Penn State advances to the Fiesta Bowl with a chance to secure their first 13-win season in program history. The Nittany Lions, who have never lost in the Fiesta Bowl, will face No. 3 Boise State in a high-stakes quarterfinal. 


As for SMU, the offseason will be an opportunity to regroup and address the shortcomings exposed in their playoff loss. With a strong recruiting class and returning talent, the Mustangs aim to prove that their 2024 campaign was just the beginning of their rise in college football. 



A Season to Remember 

SMU’s 38-10 loss to Penn State was a humbling end to a historic season, but it does not overshadow the program’s remarkable achievements. The Mustangs’ ACC debut, playoff berth, and national recognition mark a turning point for a team on the rise. 


As SMU looks to the future, their 2024 season serves as both a milestone and a launching pad for even greater aspirations. While the loss stings, the foundation laid this year ensures that the Mustangs will remain a force to be reckoned with in college football. 

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