Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) scores on an interception for touchdown during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Beaver Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Watch: Pick-six allows Penn State to benefit from early SMU mistakes

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 1:04 PM ET

Saturday's first-round College Football Playoff game between Penn State and SMU started off with a couple big breaks going in favor of the Nittany Lions.

First, SMU failed to cap off its opening drive with a touchdown despite getting inside the red zone. The Mustangs decided to go all in and go for it on a 4th-and-1, but an errant pass from quarterback Kevin Jennings forced a turnover on downs.

Jennings' pass was low and missed wide-open Matthew Hibner with the end zone in front of him.

But matters only got worse from there for Jennings and SMU.

After stopping Penn State, the Mustangs took over way back in their own territory. However, their drive would end abruptly when Jennings dropped back to pass and ended up being picked off by linebacker Dominic DeLuca, who then ran the 23 yards in front of him to complete the play as a pick-six.

PENN STATE WITH AN EARLY PICK-SIX

BEAVER STADIUM IS LOUD ️ pic.twitter.com/VX9iQPmwN8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

So even though the Nittany Lions struggled initially to move the ball on offense, they earned an early cushion thanks to taking advantage of a big mistake by SMU.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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