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: 53.5

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 over on 37.5 receiving yards for Harrison Wallace III due to a favorable matchup for this college football player prop.

Wallace is No. 1 on Penn State’s receiver depth chart, though second in targets behind tight end Tyler Warren. But SMU’s defense is more equipped to slow down the middle of the field and the run game, whereas its cornerback group ranks 117th in the nation in PFF coverage grade.

That could set Wallace up for a big day. He averaged 58 receiving yards per game this year, clearing this line in nine of his 11 games. I expect Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to find ways to get Wallace the ball on Saturday.

Prediction: Harrison Wallace III Over 37.5 Receiving Yards (-115)