3 Penn State Football BOLD Predictions vs. SMU in College Football Playoff First Round

The 12-team College Football Playoff is here. Penn State Football Fans have been waiting for this moment all year.

There have been many surprises, such as SMU and Boise State making the playoff. There have also been some gimmes in the tournament, such as Georgia and Penn State.

As the first round begins and SMU comes to town, we are all wondering if this SMU team is for real. We are all wondering if a James Franklin-led team can win it all.

Here are a few Penn State Football bold predictions you can count on.

Tyler Warren Has Double the Receiving Yards of Penn State’s Next Leading Receiver

Tyler Warren has been a stud all year long. He has over 1000 yards and is rising up draft boards. So perhaps this isn’t even that bold. If you look at Penn State’s receiving stats, Warren’s numbers on the season are almost double that of the next receiver.

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James Franklin Finally Gets That “Big Win” (and it Propels Penn State Past Boise State)

We’ve all been hearing that James Franklin can’t win big games.

I’ve even covered that topic a number of times. But this is the game where he proves doubters wrong. There are a number of factors that could put this team at ease relative to other “big games” and that might just be what the team needs. Can’t you feel it?

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Penn State is Outgained by SMU

I’m actually a little torn on who wins this one. I planned to put here that Penn State would outgain SMU but would also be outscored, but I do think Franklin and his Nittany Lions get the win.

I’m feeling this stat, though, so I think it will be reversed. Both of these teams are incredibly competitive and, as far as statistical rankings go, they’re pretty evenly matched. The Mustangs do have an incredible ground game while Penn State struggles in that area.

That tells me that SMU might control the clock, but Penn State edges out a win.

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