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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Penn State Football, James Franklin

Penn State Football vs. SMU Weather Forecast: Major Advantage for Nittany Lions?

Saturday, Penn State Football will host SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff, and it will be cold. Very cold.

Usually, around this time of year in Pennsylvania, people put up their Christmas lights while wearing many layers of clothing, but this year, they get an early holiday gift because the Nittany Lions get to host their first-ever playoff game in Beaver Stadium.

Penn State Football, Nick Singleton
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (1) jumps over Maryland Terrapins defensive back Dante Trader Jr (12) to avoid a tackle during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Playing a game at home in the middle of December is a lot different than playing one at the end of November. Even though Penn State is used to this weather, they will not be ready for it. The team they are playing has yet to learn what this weather is like.

SMU is in Dallas, Texas, and according to college football analyst Josh Pate, the Mustangs have played at an average temperature of 72 degrees this season. In comparison, this week’s game will be around 20 degrees.

SMU likes to run a high-speed offense, and the freezing conditions could prevent them from running it as they want to.

Penn State Football

Penn State has a clear advantage in this game in terms of skill. The weather will also play a factor in the matchup, which is good for the Nittany Lions.

As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service is calling for a high of just 27 degrees in State College, on Saturday afternoon, with winds gusting from the Northwest from 10-to-15 miles per hour. The reel-feel temperature could dip as low as 16 degrees, under mostly cloudy skies.

The weather should be Penn State’s best friend on Satruday afternoon, but sometimes the team from the warmth surprises everyone and puts on a show.

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