journalfront

Football

College Football Playoff: Penn State vs. SMU on Dec 21

2024-12-09

No. 6 Penn State and No. 11 SMU are set to face off for the third time in their program history. This encounter holds significant importance as it marks the first since 1978. Both teams have impressive regular season records of 11-1, but unfortunately, they suffered conference championship game losses. SMU, in its inaugural season in the ACC, achieved an undefeated record within the conference and made it to the championship game. Penn State, on the other hand, secured a coveted first-round home game, thanks to the outstanding performances of quarterback Drew Allar and dynamic tight end Tyler Warren. In the Big Ten title game, Penn State scored 37 points against No. 1 Oregon.

Game Details

When: Saturday, December 21 at 12 p.m. ETWhere: Beaver Stadium, State College, PAHow to Watch: TNT/MAX

SMU's Journey

SMU's first season in the ACC was a remarkable one. They finished the regular season with an unblemished record within the conference, demonstrating their dominance. This achievement paved the way for their appearance in the conference championship game. Their players showed great determination and skill throughout the season, making them a force to be reckoned with.The team's success can be attributed to the efforts of their coaching staff and the players' commitment to excellence. They have built a strong foundation and are now looking to make a mark in the upcoming game against Penn State.

Penn State's Highlights

Quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren have been the driving forces behind Penn State's success. Allar's leadership and ability to make crucial plays have been crucial in the team's victories. Tyler Warren, with his dynamic plays and athleticism, has been a key contributor on offense.In the Big Ten title game against No. 1 Oregon, Penn State showcased their offensive firepower by scoring 37 points. This performance demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level and gave them the confidence to take on SMU in this highly anticipated matchup.Both teams bring a wealth of experience and talent to the field, making this third meeting a must-watch event for football fans. The clash between No. 6 Penn State and No. 11 SMU is sure to be a thrilling encounter that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The 2024-25 College Football Bowl Season is set to bring excitement and intense competition. With a wide range of bowl games and playoff matchups, football enthusiasts are in for a treat. This season's schedule features the team helmets, crucial dates, and TV information for every single game. Let's dive in and explore the details.

Uncover the 2024-25 College Football Bowl Helmet Schedule

Bowl Season Kickoff

Bowl Season officially kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Two bowls grace the slate that day - the Cricket Celebration Bowl at noon ET on ABC and the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at 9:00 pm ET on ESPN. It's not just bowl games; the annual Army-Navy Game also takes place on Dec. 14 at 3:00 pm ET on CBS.

This marks the beginning of an action-packed season filled with thrilling moments and fierce rivalries.

Inaugural 12-Team College Football Playoff

The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff begins with four first-round games at the campus site of the higher seed. One game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20 (Indiana at Notre Dame), while the remaining three take place on Saturday, Dec. 21 (SMU at Penn State, Clemson at Texas, and Tennessee at Ohio State). These games set the stage for the intense playoff battles to come.

The competition is fierce from the very start, with teams vying for a spot in the later rounds.

Hawai’i Bowl Return

The Hawai’i Bowl returns to its traditional Christmas Eve slot this year. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm ET on ESPN, adding another exciting event to the holiday season.

It's a great opportunity for teams to end the year on a high note and showcase their skills.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinals

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal matchups begin on New Year’s Eve with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31 (SMU/Penn State vs. Boise State). The remaining three contests will be played on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (Clemson/Texas vs. Arizona State), Rose Bowl Game (Tennessee/Ohio State vs. Oregon), and Allstate Sugar Bowl (Indiana/Notre Dame vs. Georgia).

The quarterfinals bring the playoff action to a new level, with teams battling it out for a chance to advance.

Bowl Games Hosting Semifinals

Bowl games hosting the College Football Playoff Semifinals this season are the Capital One Orange Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. These games are the pinnacle of the playoff season.

The semifinal matchups are highly anticipated, with teams vying for a spot in the National Championship.

College Football Playoff National Championship

This season’s College Football Playoff National Championship will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. It's the grand finale of the season, where the best teams will compete for the ultimate title.

The atmosphere at the National Championship is electric, with fans from all over coming together to witness history.

Download the 2024-25 Bowl Helmet Schedule now! We also have a printable bowl schedule with no images to meet your needs.

College football enthusiasts have been engaged in a heated debate following the recent events that led to Alabama (9 - 3 overall) missing the College Football Playoff (CFP) for just the third time since its 2014 debut. The question at hand is whether the selection committee got it right by favoring the SMU Mustangs over the Alabama Crimson Tide for the final at - large berth in this year's 12 - team playoff.

Unraveling the Controversy - SMU vs. Alabama in the CFP

Evaluating the Records

Alabama, a powerhouse in college football, entered the discussion with a solid record. However, their 24 - 3 loss on Nov. 23 to an Oklahoma Sooners team that finished 6 - 6 raised eyebrows. It was a game in which the Crimson Tide were heavily favored but failed to score a touchdown for the first time since 2011. This unexpected defeat cast a shadow over their playoff hopes.On the other hand, SMU had a respectable record. But when it comes to the CFP resume, it faced some challenges. The committee had to weigh the significance of each team's performance and determine which one deserved the at - large berth.

Analyzing the Conference Championship Game

Greenberg argued that the committee had no choice but to take SMU after they reached their conference championship game. He claimed that if Alabama had been ahead of SMU in the final CFP rankings, it would have set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to teams boycotting or forfeiting conference championship games. This added another layer of complexity to the committee's decision - making process.Finebaum, however, was critical of the committee's handling of the situation. He singled out Warde Manuel, the CFP committee chairman and the athletic director at Michigan, for his remarks on Tuesday night. Manuel's statements, according to Finebaum, put a roadblock in the way and essentially influenced the committee's decision.

The Future of Conference Championship Games

Finebaum closed by suggesting that Alabama got "jobbed" but that they had no one to blame but themselves. He also offered a prediction about the future of conference championship games. He believed that while the committee had preserved them for at least another year, their days were numbered. The financial implications and the potential for teams to boycott or forfeit these games were significant factors that needed to be considered.In conclusion, the selection committee's decision to favor the SMU Mustangs over the Alabama Crimson Tide has sparked a lively discussion among college football fans. The various factors involved, including records, conference championship games, and the statements of key figures, have all contributed to the controversy. As Alabama prepares to face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the debate over this decision will likely continue.