Penn State stamped its ticket to the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals in commanding fashion, dismantling SMU 38-10 in front of over 106,000 fans in frosty Happy Valley. The victory sets up a New Year’s Eve showdown in the Fiesta Bowl against third-seeded Boise State, as the Nittany Lions (12-2) continue their pursuit of a national championship.
Linebacker Dominic DeLuca, a former walk-on who earned his stripes on special teams, epitomized Penn State’s blue-collar ethos. His two pivotal plays—an early pick-six and a game-changing interception—set the tone for the rout.
DeLuca’s first contribution came on SMU’s second drive when quarterback Kevin Jennings, under duress, sailed a pass that DeLuca snared and returned 23 yards for a touchdown. Later, with SMU threatening to close the gap, DeLuca thwarted another drive, solidifying his status as a defensive catalyst.
“I came here with no guarantees, just the opportunity to work hard,” DeLuca said postgame. “This team is the same way—we grind for everything.”
Penn State’s defense, considered among the best in the nation, lived up to its reputation by forcing three turnovers and holding SMU’s explosive offense to just 253 total yards—a season low. Linebacker Tony Rojas joined the defensive scoring spree with a 59-yard pick-six, pushing the Nittany Lions to an early 14-0 lead.
The Mustangs, whose 11-3 season marked a historic debut in the ACC, couldn’t find their rhythm. Jennings, the dynamic quarterback who led SMU to an undefeated regular season in conference play, struggled mightily. His 20-of-36 performance for 195 yards included three interceptions, including critical mistakes on early drives that shifted momentum firmly in Penn State’s favor.
Penn State’s dynamic running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton continued their stellar season, combining for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Singleton’s bruising 1-yard touchdown late in the first half capped a 28-0 lead and embodied the physical dominance the Nittany Lions displayed all afternoon.
Quarterback Drew Allar played a steady game, completing 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards. With backup Beau Pribula entering the transfer portal earlier in the week, Allar shouldered the full quarterbacking load with poise.
For SMU, the loss marked a bitter end to an otherwise remarkable season. The Mustangs’ offense, typically a juggernaut, sputtered in the face of Penn State’s relentless pass rush and disciplined secondary. Jennings’ three interceptions, including an early miss to an open Matthew Hibner in the end zone, exemplified the Mustangs’ uncharacteristic inefficiency.
“This one’s going to sting,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee admitted. “We had opportunities early, but you can’t give a team like Penn State extra chances.”
Penn State will now turn its attention to Boise State, a team known for its physicality and creative play-calling. The Broncos earned their spot in the Fiesta Bowl after a dominant season in the Mountain West Conference.
For the Nittany Lions, the road to a championship requires maintaining the intensity and execution that overwhelmed SMU. With DeLuca leading a tenacious defense and a balanced offensive attack, Penn State looks poised to make a deep run in the inaugural 12-team playoff.
The Mustangs’ magical season ended with a harsh dose of reality. Their move to the ACC and a playoff berth are significant achievements, but lapses in execution against elite competition reveal room for growth.
The Nittany Lions proved their resilience after a humbling Big Ten title game loss to Oregon. With stars on both sides of the ball, they are peaking at the right time.
As the calendar turns to the final days of 2024, the Nittany Lions have a golden opportunity to etch their name in college football history.
