Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates after sacking SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings during the second half in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

UNIVERSITY PARK — It was a day for the defense for Penn State in its first ever College Football Playoff game.

Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas both had interceptions returned for touchdowns, DeLuca added another interception, and Dani Dennis-Sutton had 1 ½ sacks to go with another 1 ½ tackles for loss in Penn State’s 38-10 victory over SMU in front of 106,013 fans on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium.

The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions will now meet No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on New Year’s Eve at 7:30 p.m.

Whether it was the cold or just not his day, Mustang quarterback Kevin Jennings struggled in the 25-degree weather. Jennings, a dual-threat quarterback, did not have much luck with his legs with eight carries for minus-25 yards. He finished the game with 195 yards on 20 of 36 passing.

It was a so-so day for the PSU offense, but it didn’t need to be at its best with how well the defense played. An extremely slow start turned into a solid day in the second half. Drew Allar went 13-of-22 passing for 127 yards. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen combined for 160 rushing yards with three touchdowns.

On the receiving end, Trey Wallace recorded four receptions for 48 yards.

With Beau Pribula no longer in the fold in the transfer portal, Ethan Grunkemeyer made his collegiate debut in the fourth quarter.

Thanks in large part to the two pick-6 touchdowns from DeLuca and Rojas, Penn State was in full control with a 28-0 lead at halftime. It was the first time since 1998 that Penn State had two interceptions returned for a touchdown.

The Mirror will have full coverage in Monday’s edition.