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Penn State announces starters for College Football Playoff matchup

Penn State football has announced its starting lineups for the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff game.

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December 21, 2024. A pylon at Beaver Stadium ahead of the 2024 College Football Playoff first-round matchup between Penn State and SMU. © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

Penn State football is moments away from taking the field in its historic College Football Playoff appearance against SMU. The Nittany Lions are looking to become the second team to punch its ticket to the quarterfinal round after Notre Dame took down Indiana on Friday night.

The Nittany Lions are eight-point favorites over the Mustangs as of Saturday morning, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is currently set at 52.5 points. Either Penn State or SMU will take on Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31. 

Want to stay up-to-date on all things Penn State football as the Nittany Lions prepare for their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance? Follow us on social media and subscribe to our free newsletter for live news and insights sent directly to your feed!

This morning, Penn State football released its official availability report as mandated by the Big Ten. While all starters appear to be healthy, backup defensive backs Elliot Washington and Tyrece Mills are both listed as questionable. 

Announced starters for Penn State vs. SMU

Penn State football

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

The announced starters for Penn State football for Saturday’s matchup against SMU are as follows:

Offense

QB: Drew Allar

RB: Nicholas Singleton (Kaytron Allen also listed as a starter)

WR: Harrison Wallace III, Liam Clifford, Omari Evans

TE: Tyler Warren

LT: Drew Shelton

LG: Vega Ioane 

C: Nick Dawkins

RG: Sal Wormley

RT: Nolan Rucci

Defense

DE: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Abdul Carter

DT: Zane Durant, Dvon J-Thomas

LB: Tony Rojas, Kobe King, Dom DeLuca

CB: AJ Harris, Jalen Kimber (Zion Tracy also announced as a starter)

S: Jaylen Reed, Zakee Wheatley 

Special Teams

K: Ryan Barker (placekicker), Gabe Nwosu (kickoffs)

P: Riley Thompson

LS: Tyler Duzansky

KR: Nicholas Singleton

PR: Zion Tracy



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Matt is a co-owner and Editor in Chief of Basic Blues Nation. Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is one of the fastest-growing websites covering all Penn State athletics, with over 3.5 million readers in 2023. Matt is also a credentialed member of the Penn State football beat, and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America.

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