History will be made in many ways Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State is playing in its first College Football Playoff game on the latest date for a home game since the program started in 1887.
The significance is not lost on senior defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas, a team captain.
“It means everything,” J-Thomas said. “It’s tremendous. I’m thankful for it every single day, and all the other seniors are as well. You know, it doesn’t happen too often when you have a team like ours, a moment like this and fans like we have to have an opportunity in such a big game.”
The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions (11-2) will face 11th-seeded SMU (11-2) and blustery weather in a first-round game Saturday at noon (TV-TNT).
The winner will advance to the CFP quarterfinals to meet third-seeded Boise State in the Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. The loser will see its season end.
“This is what we work for,” Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter said. “This is something we’ve been talking about since I’ve been here. It’s something we all talk about, getting in the playoffs and winning a national championship.
“Then we hear we have this opportunity. We have to do everything in our power to make sure we take advantage of the opportunity.”
SMU will not be a pushover. The Mustangs went 8-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and lost to Clemson 34-31 in the title game on a 56-yard field goal as time expired.
They have a potent offense, which ranks sixth nationally in scoring and 20th in total yards. They feature dual-threat quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has accounted for 27 touchdowns through the air and on the ground.
Penn State coach James Franklin was asked if Jennings reminds him of any quarterback.
“Lamar (Jackson),” Franklin said. “We haven’t played the Baltimore Ravens, but that’s who he reminds me of. He’s athletic, can extend plays, can make big plays and does a really good job of keeping his eyes down the field.”
Running back Brashard Smith, a transfer from Miami (Fla.), has rushed for 1,270 yards and 14 TDs. Smith and six others have caught at least 20 passes for SMU, which operates at a fast tempo.
Oregon ran its offense at a quick pace, which hurt the Lions in the Big Ten title game.
“I’m sure teams will watch that and they’ll try to go tempo on us,” J-Thomas said. “But we’ve adjusted and we’ve adjusted well. Coach Allen (defensive coordinator Tom Allen) has done an incredible job of getting us prepared for anything they may throw at us.
“The biggest thing is just getting your cleats in the ground, getting set and keeping your ears open in case we need to adjust to anything on the fly.”
SMU’s defense plays the run very well, ranking fourth in the country. The Mustangs held Clemson to 64 rushing yards in the ACC championship game.
They will be tested by Penn State’s Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who both ran for 100-plus yards against Oregon.
“We think they’re both explosive,” safety Isaiah Nwokobia said. “They’re good at getting downhill and finishing runs. They catch the ball out of the backfield. They do a lot of stuff well. We know we’re going to have to be keyed in on their run game.”
Then there’s the weather. The temperature is expected to be 26 degrees at kickoff with a real feel of 11 and winds at 15 mph and gusting up to 30 mph.
“My first cold game I was struggling out there, man,” said Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant, who’s from the Orlando, Fla., area. “I kind of got used to it. It’s a factor, for sure. It’s kind of a mental thing. It’s going to hurt regardless.”
Rich Scarcella’s pick
Penn State 30, SMU 20
The Mustangs are dangerous and have lost two games by a total of six points. They do have flaws, ranking among the nation’s worst teams in giveaways (21) and penalty yards. If the Nittany Lions protect the football and play disciplined defense, they will advance to the CFP quarterfinals.