SMU vs Penn State expert picks, predictions, and best bets break down the early game of a loaded Saturday slate in the College Football Playoff.
The College Football Playoff continues with an action-packed Saturday as the 11th-seeded SMU Mustangs take on the sixth-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions this Saturday in University Park, Pennsylvania. At stake: a chance to face No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31.
For SMU (11-2), fresh off a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship, the dream is to reclaim glory last achieved in 1982. For Penn State (11-2), who fell to Oregon 45-37 in the Big Ten Championship, it’s a chance to revive a championship legacy that dates back to 1986.
Kickoff is set for noon ET at Beaver Stadium, marking just the third meeting between these programs. Penn State holds the series advantage at 1-0-1.
Let’s get into our SMU vs. Penn State expert picks!
Check out our Indiana vs. Notre Dame preview and expert picks!
SMU vs. Penn State Expert Picks and Best Bets
SMU vs. Penn State Betting Preview
All SMU vs. Penn State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
-
Spread
Penn State -8.5 -
Moneyline
SMU +260, Notre Dame -280 -
Over/Under
53.5 points -
Game time
Noon ET -
Location
Beaver Stadium | University Park, PA -
Predicted Weather at Kick
25 degrees, mostly cloudy, 12 mph winds -
How To Watch
TNT
SMU vs. Penn State Expert Picks and Best Bets
SMU’s offensive talent was on full display during its valiant comeback attempt in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson. With quarterback Kevin Jennings at the helm, the Mustangs scored at least 38 points in seven games this season. Jennings, a dual-threat quarterback, threw for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 379 rushing yards, showcasing his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. Brashard Smith, a versatile weapon out of the backfield, adds another dynamic dimension as a receiver.
Penn State, however, enters this matchup battle-tested. Having faced Oregon’s high-octane offense in the Big Ten Championship, the Nittany Lions have the blueprint to disrupt SMU’s rhythm. James Franklin’s defense is poised to exploit a vulnerable SMU offensive line, pressuring Jennings into difficult third-down situations.
Whiteout Energy on Saturday is going to be INSANE!
It’s going to be a movie 🍿 pic.twitter.com/puVztTnhHE
— Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) December 19, 2024
Offensively, Penn State’s Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen lead a surging ground game, while Drew Allar has proven capable of dissecting defenses. Against an SMU defense that excelled against the run but faces challenges in pass coverage, Penn State’s balanced attack could prove decisive.
While at Penn State, the knock on Franklin has been his inability to win the big games for the Nittany Lions. This is a big game, but they face off against a reasonably untested SMU squad. SMU just doesn’t have what it takes to compete for four quarters with this squad. In the end, the depth and talent edge built by Franklin should carry the Nittany Lions through, though the Mustangs’ fight and creativity will make this a compelling battle. I like SMU to battle early and for the Nittany Lions to assert themselves late.
Prediction: Penn State 34 – SMU 20
Best Bet: Penn State -8.5
