SMU vs. Penn State Prediction: School Soccer Playoff First Spherical Decide

SMU Mustangs at Penn State Nittany Lions:

On Saturday, December 21, the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions host the No. 11 SMU Mustangs at Beaver Stadium in College Park within the first spherical of the School Soccer Playoffs. The winner of this sport will face the Boise State Broncos within the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, and we won’t wait to see the way it goes. So, preserve studying to seek out out some odds, picks, and predictions for SMU vs. Penn State.

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Saturday, December 21 at 12 midday

There was a variety of speak about SMU falling out of the School Soccer Playoff with a loss to Clemson within the ACC Championship sport. Contemplating the truth that it was lurking in Alabama, it’s simple to know why. Nevertheless, after a depressing first quarter, SMU rallied and made the sport very shut. This helped the Mustangs stop A.J 12 indignant man The situation, the place the committee made the straightforward choice to take the Crimson Tide off the sector. Now, SMU will look to show it was the fitting choice by going out and taking part in an excellent sport in Completely happy Valley.

For individuals who suppose the Nittany Lions will be capable to bully the Mustangs within the trenches, there could also be a bit of shock in retailer. SMU is tied for fourth within the nation in Rush EPA per play allowed (-0.105), and the crew has some large our bodies alongside the line of defense. If something, the Mustangs are a bit of weak up high. Positive, they rank 14th within the nation in Dropback EPA per sport (-0.081), however we simply noticed Cade Klubnik and an above-average Clemson offense throwing throughout SMU. So, Drew Allard, who threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns in opposition to Oregon, ought to be capable to make some large throws on this sport. He is additionally a menace to make some large performs along with his legs, as he is 6-foot-5, 240 kilos and has rushed for a landing in three straight video games.

The battle between SMU’s offense and Penn State’s protection will probably be attention-grabbing. The Mustangs rank simply thirty ninth within the nation in Rush EPA per sport (0.037), whereas the Nittany Lions rank sixth in faculty soccer in Rush EPA per sport allowed (-0.101). Nevertheless, if SMU goes to realize something on the bottom, it is going to possible be with the legs of quarterback Kevin Jennings. He is an electrical runner, and Mustangs coach Rhett Lashley will need him on the go. You can also’t rule out SMU discovering some success over the air. That is the offense that ranks ninth in Dropback EPA per sport (0.123). Nevertheless, Penn State ranks ninth within the nation in Dropback EPA per play allowed (-0.095). The Nittany Lions even have a high edge rusher in Abdel Carter. He struggled to get again residence in opposition to the Geese final week, however SMU’s offensive line shouldn’t be Oregon’s offensive line.

On paper, this appears to be like like a stable matchup for Penn State. The Mustangs are additionally 2-5 in opposition to the unfold as street underdogs underneath Lashlee, and the Nittany Lions are 13-4 ATS as residence favorites by 7.5 to 14 factors underneath James Franklin. Since there are lots of jokes about Franklin, he typically takes care of enterprise when Penn State is anticipated to.

It is also truthful to anticipate some factors. The Over is 8-5 in 13 video games performed for the Mustangs this yr, and has additionally struck out in every of the final 4 video games performed for the Nittany Lions. Additionally, whereas Penn State might be able to get away with extra key shortstops than SMU, it is onerous to think about the Nittany Lions shutting down Jennings and Co. utterly. We noticed within the Mustangs’ loss to the Tigers that you could solely preserve this offense down for therefore lengthy you’ll be missed. The Nittany Lions simply put up 37 factors on an excellent Geese protection. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will be ok with his crew doing the identical in opposition to the Colts. That is why my greatest wager for that is at 53.5. I do know there’s been a variety of discuss concerning the Mustangs having to play within the chilly, but it surely’s not purported to be snowing or something like that. Each groups ought to be capable to determine it out and discover the tip zone right here.

Choose: Over 53.5 (-114)