STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — During an era marked by relentless transformation, linebacker Dominic DeLuca of Penn State stands out as a nostalgic figure.
The journey of this former walk-on athlete reflects a journey that is becoming increasingly uncommon in college athletics.
When DeLuca first joined the team nearly four years ago, he did so without a scholarship or any guarantees of a spot on the roster.
Undeterred, he committed himself to his training, establishing himself as a key player in special teams and gradually earning his way into the Nittany Lions’ defensive lineup, which boasts aspirations of being the premier unit in the nation.
In the first round of the College Football Playoff, sixth-seeded Penn State faced a shaky start against SMU, needing a spark to regain momentum.
DeLuca stepped up remarkably, delivering two pivotal plays that shifted the game’s dynamics in favor of the Nittany Lions.
His first contribution was an impressive pick-6 that set the tone for an early lead.
Later, he made another key interception that halted a critical drive from the Mustangs, who were attempting to claw their way back into contention.
Ultimately, Penn State triumphed with a dominant 38-10 scoreline, advancing (12-2) to the quarterfinals of the CFP against Boise State in the upcoming Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
“Dom is just a baller,” remarked Penn State head coach James Franklin following his milestone 100th win with the program.
Notably, DeLuca’s path to success may be increasingly rare due to the NCAA’s future roster size reduction to 105 players, starting next season.
“It breaks my heart a little bit that maybe Dom isn’t here if these rules were in place (when he arrived),” Franklin expressed, reflecting on the implications of changing policies.
For now, the previous rules still apply, allowing Franklin to shape a roster that has equaled the winning totals of many of the 130 teams that came before.
“We’re a college football program that everybody should be proud of because those guys are doing it the right way at a time when it’s more challenging than it’s ever been,” Franklin added proudly.
In addition, linebacker Tony Rojas recorded a pick-6 of his own, helping to stifle the Mustangs, who concluded their season with an 11-3 record marred by errors and turnovers.
The performance from SMU’s Kevin Jennings and a high-volume offense was a far cry from their expectations, reinforcing skepticism among critics—especially from Alabama—regarding their worthiness in the playoff bracket.
“I can’t control the debate,” stated SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee. “We got in. Today we got beat. We got beat soundly by a very good team.”
After a disappointing performance against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship, the Nittany Lions rebounded, forcing three turnovers and registering three sacks while limiting the Mustangs to dismal performance metrics of just 253 total yards and season-low points.
“We wanted to put on a defensive performance like we did,” asserted Penn State defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas. “Two pick-6s. Stopped the run. Stopped the pass game. We truly shut everything down.”
For Jennings, whose dynamic play propelled SMU through an undefeated regular season in the ACC, the day was filled with challenges.
He ended the matchup with 20 completions on 36 attempts, totaling 195 yards, one late touchdown, and three interceptions.
The game started poorly for SMU as Jennings missed a crucial throw to a wide-open tight end, Matthew Hibner, at the goal line during their inaugural drive.
Things took a further nosedive when his attempted pass to Brashard Smith sailed over the running back and landed in DeLuca’s hands, resulting in a quick 23-yard score for Penn State.
As the second quarter rolled in, Jennings attempted to throw across his body while scrambling, but Rojas intercepted the ball for a 59-yard return touchdown, cementing a commanding 14-0 lead for the Nittany Lions.
Kaytron Allen contributed two rushing touchdowns, while Nick Singleton added another late in the second quarter, giving Penn State a comfortable 28-0 advantage.
Singleton’s enthusiasm was evident as he and Franklin engaged in spirited conversation on the sidelines, showcasing their camaraderie.
“He screamed at me and used some words … and said ‘I’m a violent man,’” Franklin recalled. “I kind of agreed with him.”
Drew Allar commanded the offense, completing 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards while stepping up in the aftermath of backup Beau Pribula’s decision to enter the transfer portal.
In contrast to their prior ACC title game rally against Clemson, where they had made a dramatic comeback attempt only to lose, this time there was no such opportunity for SMU.
The second half allowed the massive crowd of over 106,000, undeterred by frigid temperatures, to revel in a significant victory that has been somewhat infrequent during Franklin’s successful 11-year tenure.
With one major challenge overcome, another awaits as Penn State prepares for the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve, aiming to secure a historic 13th win, an achievement never accomplished in the program’s extensive 131-year history.
As for the Mustangs, they will look to build upon their first ACC season and will prepare for a daunting schedule ahead, featuring matchups against prominent teams like Miami, Clemson, and Louisville next fall.
