Derek Levarse

Penn State football beat writer for the Times Leader

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

PSU defensive coordinator Tom Allen on Dominic DeLuca: "He's one of the smartest players I've ever coached. ... I'm just so proud of him. He deserves all the credit he gets."

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Franklin talks about DeLuca's journey from walk-on to team captain to key player in a CFP win and laments that the new 105-player roster limit could limit opportunities for players like DeLuca in the future.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Franklin on DeLuca: "I love Dom and (his) mom and dad. I think he's a tremendous example for all of our players on the team. Always has a smile on his face. He works his tail off. ... He's done whatever role we've asked him to do, and he's done it 100 mph. ... He's awesome."

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

This was James Franklin's 100th win at Penn State. The Lions tied their record for wins in a season, hitting 12 for the fourth time in program history and first since 1994.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

FINAL: Penn State 38, SMU 10. Nittany Lions win their College Football Playoff debut and advance to the quarterfinals against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Penn State has run for 181 yards, the most allowed by SMU -- one of the country's best run defenses -- all season. Bill O'Brien's BC Eagles had 180.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

TOUCHDOWN: SMU finds the end zone for the first time. Jennings with one of his best throws of the day, hitting Roderick Daniels, who got inside of Cam Miller for a 28-yard score. PSU 38, SMU 10. 7:31 4Q.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

And Grunkemeyer's first career pass was too high, leading to Harrison Wallace tipping it up in the air for a pick.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

If you had true freshman QB Ethan Grunkemeyer getting his first collegiate snap in a CFP game on your BINGO card, congratulations.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Nittany Lions move closer to that New Year's Eve date with Boise State after Allen's second touchdown of the day. PSU 38, SMU 3. 12:56 4Q.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

TOUCHDOWN: Kaytron Allen bulldozes in from the 4.

[Sean Fitz @SeanFitzOn3]

QB even stopped to look for the flag.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Four red zone trips for SMU. Three points for SMU.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

The loss of 18 on the Carter sack leads to a field goal miss from 42. Carter probably could have drawn a hold before he got his 11th sack of the season.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Carter devours Jennings on third down. Huge loss.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Make that three red zone procedure penalties by SMU at this end of the field.

[Geno Lewis @GENOALLDAY7]

570 type Holding it down @dominic_deluca9 💯💯
#WeAre

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

FIELD GOAL: Ryan Barker gets the three back for Penn State, hitting from 40 yards. But barely. No pretty kicks today in this cold. PSU 31, SMU 3. 8:13 3Q. SMU gifted the opportunity with a personal foul penalty.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Mustangs defense comes up with back-to-back sacks of Allar only for veteran DL Jared Harrison-Hunte to give it away with a brainless post-whistle penalty.

[Derek Levarse @TLdlevarse]

Really nice onside kick try by Rogers is fielded by Anthony Ivey after a tricky bounce.