Skip to main content
penn-state logo

What did SMU coach Rhett Lashlee say about Penn State ahead of the CFP?

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•12/09/24•

GregPickel

Rhett Lashlee, SMU
Rhett Lashlee, SMU - © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Penn State, the six seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, hosts No. 11 SMU on Sat., Dec. 21 at Beaver Stadium in a first round contest. Both Lions coach James Franklin and Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee offered early thoughts on the matchup shortly after learning of it. The programs last played in 1978 and had no common opponents this season. Thus, unsurprisingly, both were just starting to learn about the other’s program in the hours after the CFP selection show. But Lashlee, who is in his third season at the helm of the ACC program, has some familiarity with Penn State due to a mutual connection.

“I watched them a lot more last year when we weren’t playing because Manny Diaz was the DC and a friend of mine,” 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.”

What else did Rhett Lashlee say about Penn State?

Lashlee was asked only one other Penn State related question during his first news conference prior to the game. And, it was a simple one, as the inquiry asked for his early thoughts on the Lions.

“Probably, much like them, we don’t cross over with them much during the year and so you watch them a little bit because they play a lot of times at noon and you’re at the hotel,” Lashlee said. “I know they have an incredible defense. I know they got great speed. I know Tom Allen is an incredible defensive mind. And I know Manny Diaz had just been there and I know they were recruited at a high level. James Franklin is a lot like Coach Swinney. I mean, he’s talking about a model of consistency and winning ten wins a year every year since he’s been there.

“So, and then offensively, they’re very explosive, they’re unique. OC, he came from Kansas, and they had a big-time year last year. They got a big time tight end and other playmakers. So, I mean, I know they’re really good. They’re the No. 16-ranked in the country, and we gotta go to their place. So, but no, I haven’t studied a lot of film on them. With the three hours of sleep and watching the watch deal, we’re just, we’re fired up to be in the bracket and get another chance to play. But we’re getting into it, our whole staff’s already getting into it right now.” 

You can read everything else Lashlee had to say Sunday ahead of the Penn State game at BWI sister site The Pony Express by clicking here.

You may also like