College Football Playoffs SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions: Odds, Tip, Predictions-12-21-24

Penn State football is in the College Football Playoff!

Over the last decade, the Nittany Lions were among the leading Power conference teams that failed to qualify for the College Football Playoff. Yet, they now get a shot after posting an 11-2 season, with only losses coming against Ohio State and Oregon during Big Ten Championship play.

Penn State is coming off an impressive offensive performance against Oregon, QB Drew Allar announced his return for next year and the bracket seems quite favorable, with Boise State possibly as the next opponent in this ine-loss and out tournament..

SMU has been an absolute blast this season. They paid the cost to enter into the ACC and had an incredible season ending with a nailbiting defeat against Clemson for the ACC Championship.

As it currently stands, the program isn’t exactly playing with house money… yet. However, in an indirect sense that is exactly the case.

SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions

• Point Spread: Penn State
• Moneyline SMU +250
• Moneyline Penn State -310
• Over/Under 53.5

The Nittany Lions will finally make their College Football Playoff debut as they take on SMU. James Franklin has a legit shot to win a big game.

Penn State was impressive against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game despite their loss, outgaining and them and scoring numerous points against an accomplished Oregon defense. While losing Beau Pribula will hurt this team’s offensive output, their playmakers are still present and are capable of creating trouble for SMU’s defense. If Penn State can recover from their poor defensive showing against Oregon and Tyler Warren continues his stellar playmaking for them offensively then Penn State will surely reach the quarterfinals!

SMU is no joke either; they earned their place in the playoffs and will come into this matchup extremely motivated to avenge their loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship game. Their offensive weapons – quarterback Kevin Jennings and running back Brashard Smith – can pose many problems to Penn State’s vulnerable defense, making SMU capable of upsetting Penn State.

However, too many factors favor Penn State in this matchup against SMU. With Beaver Stadium providing an atmospheric White Out atmosphere and cold weather looming on the horizon, I believe Penn State will prevail and head on their way to Arizona to face Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

SMU vs Penn State Betting Preview

College Football Playoff Preview Show: SMU vs Penn State

SMU vs Penn State Moneyline

Moneyline value exists on SMU, if you are betting on Penn State give the points and stay off the money line. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

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4.5/5

Tip: Bet Penn State -8.5

• Allar to play well
• Weather will play a factor
• Both teams good on offense

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SMU vs Penn State Over/Under Analysis

This should be a high-scoring battle. SMU will try to play at a fast tempo, and that, combined with Penn State’s explosiveness, should make this a high-scoring game.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the over 53.5

• High-scoring game
• turnovers will be key
• Penn State at Home

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Prediction: This will be a close and high-scoring game most of the way with Penn State pulling away in the fourth Quarter. Penn State 34 SMU 24

Bet Penn State -8.5 

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