SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions Prediction, 12/21/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions

Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024

Location: Beaver Stadium in College Township, PA

TV: TNT

Odds/Point Spread: Nittany Lions (-8.5)

Total/Over-Under: 54

The Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) will play the SMU Mustangs (11-2) at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, December 21, 2024 in the College Football Playoffs. Penn State opens as 8.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The betting total is set at 54.

The SMU Mustangs step onto the field holding a record of 11-2 for this season. In their last matchup, the Mustangs played the Clemson Tigers and took a loss by a final of 34-31. The SMU Mustangs ended up rushing 35 times and accumulated 154 yards, which earned them an average of 4.4 yards per carry. At the end of the game, they ran 86 plays which converted into 458 yards. SMU gave up 24 completions on 41 tries for 262 yds, and a completion rate of 58.5%. Against the run, the Mustangs gave up 64 yds on 32 tries, which calculates to 2.0 yds per rush allowed.

The Mustangs have earned 5,760 total yards over the course of this season. In terms of getting the ball in the endzone, SMU has amassed 27 touchdowns via the pass and 29 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the ball 21 times. SMU has tallied 296 1st downs, and they have been hurt by 107 penalties for 1027 yds. As a team they're holding an average of 176.1 yards on the ground which ranks them 49th in D-1. Regarding putting the ball in the endzone, the SMU Mustangs hold an average of 38.5 points per outing.

In terms of passing yardage, the Mustangs have conceded 3,025 yds which ranks them 112th in the country. They have surrendered 232.7 yards per contest through the air in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 56.2%. In total, they have given up 326.1 yards/outing ranking them 28th in the nation. They have surrendered 23 touchdowns via the pass and 10 touchdowns via the ground game. The opposition is running for 2.7 yards per attempt on the ground and 93.4 rushing yards per contest this season. Overall, they have given up 1,214 rushing yards through 13 games. The Mustangs rank 27th in D-1 when it comes to the opposition scoring, allowing 20.8 PPG.

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The Nittany Lions step onto the field holding a record of 11-2 this season. For their last game, the Nittany Lions took a loss by a final score of 45-37 when they played the Oregon Ducks. Penn State rushed for 8.3 yds per carry, finishing the game with 292 yards on 35 attempts. The Nittany Lions finished with 518 yards and they ran 74 plays (7.0 yards per play). The Nittany Lions passing defense allowed a completion rate of 68.8%, surrendering 283 yards on 22 out of 32 through the air. Penn State gave up 43 running attempts for 183 yards (4.3 yards per rush).

In relation to their ability to score points, the Nittany Lions are ranking 25th in D-1 maintaining an average of 33.6 points per outing. The Penn State Nittany Lions have an average of 448.6 yards per outing, which ranks them 15th in the nation. The Penn State offense has racked up 597 yards of penalties on 64 infractions, which is 99th in college football in terms of helping out the other team. They have given away 8 interceptions while conceding 4 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 308 1st downs. During this campaign thus far, the Nittany Lions have racked up 3,205 yards through the air together with holding an average of 246.5 passing yards per contest, which has them sitting 41st in D-1. They maintain an average of 202.2 yards per game on the ground and have rushed for 2,629 yards for this year.

The Nittany Lions are allowing 16.4 PPG, ranking them 8th in Division 1. Penn State has conceded a total of 1,347 yards on the ground (103.6 yards per outing) in addition to 7 touchdowns via the rush this season. This season, they have conceded 213 points. They have allowed the opposition 16 touchdowns via the pass and 178.5 yards per outing, which has them sitting 16th in the country. The Nittany Lions defense has taken part in 788 plays, which has them ranked 52nd in D-1. They have tallied 5 fumbles and 12 picks over the course of the season.

Who will win tonight's Mustangs/Nittany Lions college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Nittany Lions -8.5

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