How to watch Penn State-SMU in the College Football Playoff: Time, channel, streaming info, and more
Penn State and SMU meet on the College Football Playoff stage for the first time this weekend. Both sides are making the postseason tournament, which expanded to 12 teams this year, for the first time. The Nittany Lions are the Big Ten runner-up and the Mustangs finished second in the ACC. As the six seed, PSU has the chance to host No. 11 SMU at Beaver Stadium.
“What stands out to me is they’re extremely fast defense,” Penn State quarterback Drew Allar said. “They’re extremely fast on the back end, especially at linebackers, like, their linebackers can run sideline to sideline. And, you know, they’re a physical team as well. So they do a lot of good things defensively, and they have a lot of really good players on that side of the ball.”
Added Lions coach James Franklin on head coach Rhett Lashlee’s team:
“The quarterback, Kevin Jennings, they go as he goes. He’s an explosive athlete to make all the throws, but also can pull it down and run. Can really run. It’s going to be a challenge, and we’re looking forward to it. The guys have embraced it, and we’re going to need this place rocking on Saturday, obviously a different situation at this time of the year, and having a home game, which we appreciate.
“I think every program in the country was battling to either have a bye week in the playoffs to start the Playoffs, or a home a home game. And we were able to accomplish one of those two. So excited about the opportunity.”
How can you watch the Penn State-SMU game? Read on for time and television information, the latest spread, and more.
Penn State-SMU CFP Round 1 time and details
Penn State is 1-0-1 all-time against SMU. The teams tied 13-13 in their first-ever meeting back in 1948. In their most recent showdown, the Lions beat the Mustangs 26-21 in 1978.
Here are the details for this year’s matchup:
Time: Noon ET
Date: Sat., Dec. 21
Location: Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.
Weather: Yes, it will be cold for a December game in central Pennsylvania. It should not rain or snow. But, it’s likely to be windy. The latest forecast is as follows: “Considerable cloudiness. High 32F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.”
The line: Penn State is an 8.5-point favorite.
Over/under: 53.5 points
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How to watch, stream Lions-Mustangs
TNT is airing the game. It is part of a package of games ESPN, which owns the CFP broadcast right, sold off to TNT. It will mark the Lions’ first game on the network. ESPN personalities Mark Jones (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (color commentary) and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) will be on the call.
MAX is the streaming home of TNT.
The Penn State Sports Network will also be on the radio airwaves with Steve Jones, Jack Ham, and Brian Tripp. It airs on 99.5 & 103.7 FM/1450 AM locally and at GoPSUSports.com online.
Follow along with Blue-White Illustrated
Blue-White Illustrated will have live updates on its home page starting before kickoff. And, premium members can chat with our staff and fellow Penn State fans inside The Lions Den forum during every game. Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up today for just $1 for seven days of access!
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