State College, Pa. — In a college football world defined by constant change, Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca stands out as a throwback. His journey from walk-on to key contributor mirrors the grit of his team, which has built success on old-school values in an evolving era.
Arriving at Penn State nearly four years ago without a scholarship or guarantees, DeLuca worked tirelessly to carve out a role. He earned his stripes on special teams before breaking into the rotation on a defense that prides itself on being one of the nation’s best.
On Saturday, with sixth-seeded Penn State struggling early against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff, DeLuca provided the spark his team needed.
His first big moment came with a pick-six that gave the Nittany Lions an early lead. Later, he intercepted another pass, halting an SMU drive that could have tightened the game. These pivotal plays set the stage for Penn State’s dominant 38-10 win, advancing them (12-2) to the CFP quarterfinals against third-seeded Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
“Dom is just a baller,” said Penn State head coach James Franklin, who celebrated his 100th win with the program.
Franklin acknowledged that players like DeLuca might become rarer as the NCAA reduces roster sizes to 105 players starting next season.
“It breaks my heart to think Dom might not have been here if those rules existed when he arrived,” Franklin said.
For now, Franklin has used the existing rules to build a team that matches the best in Penn State’s 130-year history.
“We’re a program people can be proud of,” Franklin said. “Our guys are doing it the right way during one of the most challenging times in college football.”
On the field, linebacker Tony Rojas joined DeLuca in delivering a defensive showcase, adding his own pick-six. The Nittany Lions completely shut down SMU’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings. The Mustangs (11-3), whose remarkable season included an undefeated run in their debut ACC campaign, ended the game with costly mistakes and just 253 total yards—season lows.
“I can’t control the debate or what people will say,” said SMU coach Rhett Lashlee. “We got in [to the CFP]. Today, we got beat. We got beat soundly by a very good team.”
After being overpowered by Oregon in the Big Ten Championship two weeks earlier, Penn State rebounded in style. The defense forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks, and effectively neutralized Jennings, who finished with 195 passing yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions. His early struggles set the tone when he overthrew a wide-open Matthew Hibner in the end zone on SMU’s first drive. On SMU’s next possession, Jennings’ errant pass found DeLuca, who returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. Later, Rojas intercepted Jennings and returned it 59 yards for another score, putting Penn State up 14-0.
Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton added to the offensive dominance. Allen scored twice, while Singleton’s bruising 1-yard touchdown just before halftime made it 28-0. After the play, Singleton exchanged fiery words with Franklin on the sideline.
“He screamed at me and said, ‘I’m a violent man,’” Franklin joked. “I kind of agreed with him.”
Quarterback Drew Allar managed the game effectively, completing 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards. He played the entire game after backup Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal earlier in the week.
Unlike SMU’s valiant effort in the ACC Championship game—where they nearly erased a 17-point deficit before falling to Clemson—there was no comeback this time. The second half turned into a celebration for the 106,000 fans who braved frigid temperatures to witness one of Penn State’s most decisive postseason wins under Franklin.
Now, the Nittany Lions turn their attention to a New Year’s Eve showdown in the Fiesta Bowl, aiming to win 13 games in a season for the first time in program history.
Key Takeaways:
SMU: The Mustangs’ first ACC season ended on a sour note. If Jennings had connected with Hibner for an early touchdown, the game might have taken a different trajectory. They’ll have an offseason to reflect and prepare for a challenging 2024 conference schedule.
Penn State: Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton looked every bit like the nation’s best running back duo, combining for 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The defense also proved its dominance, holding SMU’s offense in check.
What’s Next:
SMU: The Mustangs will look to build on their ACC debut next season, with marquee matchups against Miami, Clemson, and Louisville on the horizon.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions head to the Fiesta Bowl, where they’ll put their undefeated (7-0) record in the game on the line against Boise State.
