It's Penn State-SMU in the CFP week: Game time, spread, channel, streaming info, storylines, more

Happy College Football Playoff week, Penn State fans! After missing out on the four-team version over the last decade, the Nittany Lions are part of the first 12-team field. They earned the sixth seed and host No. 11 SMU at Beaver Stadium.

Both programs are now into their usual prep for a Saturday contest. Each focused on rest and recovery, self-scouting, and of course, some early game planning work over the last eight days.

“I watched them a lot more last year when we weren’t playing because Manny Diaz was the DC and a friend of mine,” Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee said. “So when they were playing and we weren’t, you’d kind of want to pull for somebody you know. And so I just know the kind of length and speed they had on defense. I know what they do on offense. I know they got a really good quarterback, a big time tight end. And they present a lot of issues with all the different formations and looks and things they do offensively. And then I just know James Franklin’s reputation, just being a consistent winner.”

Get ready for Lions-Mustangs with our early game preview.

Time and TV info

Kickoff is set for Noon ET. TNT will televise the game. It is the first time Penn State will appear on that network’s airwaves. Mark Jones (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (color commentary), and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) will be on the call.

What is the Penn State-SMU spread?

Penn State is an 8.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel. The over/under is 53.5 points.

Game week schedule for the Lions

Penn State head coach James Franklin will speak with reporters on Monday at Noon and then after practice on Wednesday night. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and five members of his attack will speak after Franklin on Monday. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen and members of his unit will speak on Tuesday. There is no Penn State Coaches Show this week.

What’s up with SMU?

Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs are 11-2 and the ACC runner-up. Kevin Jennings took over the quarterback job in mid-September and has thrived. He’s completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,050 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has only thrown eight interceptions on the year. And, he can run, as he’s racked up 379 yards on 93 carries and five touchdowns.

Brashard Smith is the top running back. He’s carried 217 times for 1,270 yards and 14 touchdowns. Jennings is the team’s second leading rusher. No other SMU ball carrier has more than 70 carries. And a receiver, Roderick Daniels Jr., is actually fourth in carries with 43.

Speaking of Daniels Jr., he has a team-high 38 receptions for 588 yards. He has three touchdown receptions, while five other Mustangs have at least four scoring catches.

On defense, linebacker Kobe Wilson leads in tackles with 110. Four Mustangs have at least five sacks on the year. And three SMU players have three interceptions.

Read more about the Mustangs at the links below:

Penn State vs. SMU Primer: Getting to know the Mustang defense

Scouting SMU: 3 early thoughts on the team Penn State faces in Round 1 of the College Football Playoff

Weather report

This is, obviously, one of the big questions of the week. As of Monday morning, Weather.com lists the forecasts as follows: “Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 29F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.”

Early Penn State-SMU storylines

–What tricks will Lashlee have up his sleeves on offense? This is a spread-based attack that spreads the ball around in the passing attack and leans on Smith heavily in the running game. On paper, the Penn State defense has a pretty good edge. So, how the Mustangs try and take away the Lions’ strengths, especially its pass rush, will be a key to the game.

–But, speaking of the Penn State defense, can it bounce back from a rough performance against Oregon? The Ducks’ attack is better than the Mustangs’, of course. But, there were some fundamental issues that must be cleaned up, including penalties.

–Will everything go smoothly from a logistical perspective for fans? That has nothing to do with the on-field product, of course. But, with the CFP overseeing the management of this game and with the weather report somewhat uncertain, questions are lingering to start the week.

–The Penn State offense played one of its best games of the season against the Ducks. Can it roll that success, especially in the ground game, into this week? And who will the backup quarterback be now that Beau Pribula is in the portal?

—Is there any reason to worry about kicker Ryan Barker after his miss in the Big Ten title game? We think not. But, time will tell.