SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Southern Methodist University (SMU) is set to take on Penn State in the first round of the College Football Playoff, with the victor earning the opportunity to play against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Mustangs narrowly lost to No. 13 Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship, featuring a tight 34-31 score. However, despite the defeat, they secured the No. 11 seed as the final at-large selection for the playoffs, surpassing Alabama in the process. SMU’s selection marks a significant achievement for the Atlantic Coast Conference, which now has two representatives in the 12-team playoff after Florida State was controversially omitted from last season’s four-team selection.
On the other hand, Penn State gained the No. 6 seed after going head-to-head with the top-ranked Oregon, ultimately falling 45-37 in the Big Ten championship.
The upcoming matchup will take place at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium on December 31, where the winning team will clash with No. 8 ranked Boise State, known for its standout running back, Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos, who hold a record of 12-1, received the No. 3 seed in the playoff, edging out Big 12 champion Arizona State. Boise State has a robust history in the Fiesta Bowl, notably beginning with their thrilling victory over Oklahoma in 2007. After suffering a narrow loss to Oregon earlier this season, the Broncos powered through the latter part of the season, clinching 11 consecutive victories.
SMU, with an impressive record of 11-2, has made a commendable return to prominence in college football after enduring the NCAA’s “death penalty” in 1987. Under the leadership of Coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs have reached three consecutive bowl games and achieved back-to-back seasons with 11 wins, securing a spot in this year’s College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions, also standing at 11-2, are reaching the CFP for the first time following their own tumultuous history. Coach James Franklin has played a crucial role in stabilizing the program since the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, which led to the dismissal of long-time coach Joe Paterno in 2011. Under Franklin’s guidance, Penn State has enjoyed significant success, recording at least 10 wins in six out of the 11 seasons.
