In a commanding performance, No. 6 Penn State defeated No. 11 SMU 38-10 in the first round of the College Football Playoff, securing a spot in the quarterfinals against No. 3 Boise State.
The Nittany Lions’ defense was instrumental, with linebacker Dom DeLuca intercepting two passes in the first half, returning one for a touchdown.
This victory marks Penn State’s first playoff win in school history, elevating their season record to 12-2, the program’s first 12-win season since 1994.
They now prepare to face the Boise State Broncos, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31.
The Broncos, entering the game with a 12-1 record, received a first-round bye as the No. 3 seed.
This quarterfinal matchup in Glendale, Arizona, promises to be a compelling contest between two formidable teams vying for a spot in the semifinals.
