Penn State vs. SMU: Key advantages for each team in first-round College Football Playoff game

No. 11 seed SMU (11-2) faces No. 6 Penn State (11-2) at High Noon on Saturday in Happy Valley in a clash that pits two glory programs of the 1980s against each other (yes, we know what happened to SMU at the end of the decade). The teams have played just once, a 26-21 Penn State win in 1978. 

This matchup is rich with intriguing battles, from SMU’s dynamic passing attack to Penn State’s dominance over the middle. Here are some of the keys to the game. 

SMU’s Offensive Firepower

Kevin Jennings Under Pressure

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings has been a model of efficiency under pressure this season. Ranking second in the FBS with a 156.4 passer efficiency rating when pressured, Jennings thrives in chaos. His ability to deliver in these situations could neutralize Penn State’s hellacious defensive front, which generates pressure 38.5% of the time, ranking 14th nationally.

MetricFBS RankPass Efficiency156.4 (2nd)Yards/Attempt9.8 (2nd)Pass TD8 (T-2nd)Pass Yards846 (3rd)Completion %52.3% (10th)

Man Coverage Matchup

Penn State employs man coverage 39% of the time, ranking 17th nationally, but that plays directly into Jennings’ strengths. He ranks 8th in passing efficiency versus man coverage and has been able to exploit those looks. 

MetricFBS RankYards/Attempt9.8 (5th)Pass Efficiency176.4 (8th)Pass TD10 (T-16th)

Defensive Pressure Without Blitzing

SMU’s defense excels at generating pressure without blitzing, leading the FBS with 154 quarterback pressures. This approach allows the Mustangs to disrupt offenses while maintaining a strong secondary presence. Their effectiveness will be tested against Penn State’s balanced attack and a jump in offensive line competition from what SMU faced in ACC play to a bigger, brawnier Nittany Lions line. 

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Author : Ryan McGrady

Publish date : 2024-12-18 13:47:00

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