SMU vs. Penn State Prediction & Odds: College Football Playoff

The first game of Saturday’s College Football Playoff tripleheader will take place at Beaver Stadium when Penn State (11-2) hosts SMU (11-2) at Noon ET on TNT.

The expanded CFP was made for a team like the Nittany Lions, who couldn’t overcome Ohio State or Michigan during the four-team playoff era. Now, they are fortunate enough to host their first-ever CFP matchup in what should be an incredible environment.

Penn State is favored by more than a touchdown, but SMU has nothing to lose after getting in the dance over Alabama.

Here is a look at the latest SMU vs. Penn State college football odds and my prediction for Saturday’s battle:

SMU vs. Penn State Odds, Dec. 21

• Point spread: Penn State -8.5 (-115)
• Total: 54.5

SMU vs. Penn State Prediction – Saturday, Dec. 21

Based on the latest college football betting lines at the BetMGM online sportsbook, my SMU vs. Penn State prediction backs the Mustangs’ first-half spread (+4.5) due to the Nittany Lions’ struggles in the first half this year.

Penn State has been tied or losing at halftime in six of its 13 games this season, including a 31-24 deficit to Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. 

SMU, meanwhile, is 11th in the country with an average of 19.9 points per game in the first half.

The Mustangs are also equipped to handle the Nittany Lions’ first punch.

Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will likely try to establish the run in the first half with his backfield tandem of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. However, SMU’s defense has held 10 of its 13 opponents to under four yards per carry this year.

If the Mustangs can stop the run game early on, there is a chance this game is closer than anticipated. At the very least, I’ll back SMU to stay within striking distance in the first half.

Prediction: SMU First-Half Spread (+4.5)