One win down, three to go.

The Nittany Lions took care of business against SMU on Saturday, cruising to an easy 38-10 victory. The Nittany Lion defense was critical and had three interceptions, including pick-sixes from Tony Rojas and Dom DeLuca.

After the first College Football Playoff win in program history, there were plenty of takes flying around the internet for us to discuss.

James Franklin Won A Big Game

CJ Doebler: Technically yeah, sure. Penn State won a game in the playoffs, and it isn’t lost on me that it’s a historic moment for the program. Even so, it didn’t feel like a big game. A big game can’t be a game that’s overlooked by even one person, and all the national media talked about was how easy it is for the Nittany Lions to get to the semifinals.

Sure, James Franklin won a big game. Did he beat a good team to do it though? Technically.

Mitch Corcoran: I’m with CJ. Technically, yes, because it was a playoff win, but it’s hard to call it “a big game” when you’re favored by over a touchdown. It was a game Penn State was expected to win and if it was the opposite, fans would be calling for Franklin’s head on a stick.

Just like next week, Penn State is favored by double-digit points. Sure, it’s the second round of the playoffs, and it’s the Fiesta Bowl, but if it were any other week, playing Boise State wouldn’t be “a big game.”

Nolan Wick: With all due respect, defeating SMU isn’t the same as beating Ohio State, Michigan, or a perennial top-10 program. Since it was a playoff game, though, it counts as a big game. This was one of Penn State’s most important games ever, and a win was mandatory because of what was at stake.

Beaver Stadium’s Atmosphere Was A Difference-Maker

CJ: After all the talk about seats not selling out, Beaver Stadium was just fine. It didn’t sell out, but that didn’t stop the crowd from forcing a few penalties down near the south end zone.

SMU was rattled. Between the cold and the noise, State College was a difficult place to play football last Saturday.

Mitch: Kevin Jennings was not ready for the White Out atmosphere. It was obvious SMU’s offense struggled to communicate on offense and players were rattled by the noise. It played a big role in the game and it was definitely a difference-maker.

Nolan: I wouldn’t say Beaver Stadium was “just fine,” capacity or noise-wise. I have nothing on many of you reading this because I’ve only been attending Penn State games for four years, but Saturday was the loudest I’ve ever heard Beaver Stadium. That place was rocking from the jump, and the energy was palpable throughout the game. The atmosphere had a substantial impact on the game — just ask Rhett Lashlee.

Nick Singleton & Kaytron Allen Are The Best Running Back Duo In The Country

CJ: During their postgame press conference on Saturday, Nick Singleton said he and Kaytron Allen were the best backfield in the nation. Going off of the last two games, I’m inclined to agree. Both backs averaged above six yards per carry against Oregon and SMU, and the group is playing some of its best football this season right now. 

They might not have always been the best backfield, but they’re getting hot at the right time.

Mitch: I’m going to say yes. If you look at the top rushing offense in the country, it’s hard to find a more balanced and talented running back duo. Allen and Singleton, together, have 1,820 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry this season.

Most of the top rushing attacks are led by, or at least heavily assisted by, a running quarterback or just a single back like Ashton Jeanty, who has singlehandedly led Boise State to a top-five rushing attack.

But if you look at the most effective duos, Singleton and Allen are second to none, especially recently. In the last two games, both of which came against top-10 opponents, the duo combined for 389 yards and four touchdowns rushing.

Nolan: It’s hard to disagree with this right now. Allen and Singleton are indeed heating up at the right time, and Franklin said it’s partially because they’re both healthy. Yesterday, he said the duo plays like “thunder and lightning.” While Singleton can beat you with speed, Allen’s physicality is his biggest strength. They complement each other well, and that’s tough for any team to stop.

The Defense Is Back

CJ: After giving up 45 points in the shootout that was the Big Ten Championship game, the defense came back with an absolute statement against the Mustangs on Saturday. The Nittany Lions stopped both facets of SMU’s offense, forcing three interceptions while limiting the run and only allowing 10 points. This was a performance like last year’s group, and it’s evident that the defense is peaking at the right time, too.

Mitch: It was a good bounce-back performance from Tom Allen’s group, but I think this was expected. Although SMU had a top-scoring offense, I think the weather and the crowd played a big role in its performance.

Credit to the defense still for allowing 253 yards and 10 points, but I wasn’t surprised by the defense besides the fact it scored two pick-sixes. Those were huge.

Nolan: Indianapolis was rough, but the defensive performance against SMU is a great sign things are under control. Eleven tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pick-sixes are always special. Penn State made limiting the mobile Jennings and Brashard Smith look easy, but that hasn’t been the case for other teams this season. Like the running backs, this defense might be hot at the right time.

Penn State Can Make A Title Run

CJ: Penn State has as good a shot as anyone. There are challenges left and right, but I do think a Georgia team without Carson Beck and Notre Dame are both beatable, as well as Boise State, which the Nittany Lions are currently favored over by 11 points. I don’t know if Penn State wins it all, but there’s a shot the team ends up in Atlanta

Mitch: Only if Notre Dame beats Georgia. I don’t see Penn State getting past the Bulldogs, but I think the Nittany Lions will beat the Irish. I’ll be a Notre Dame hater until the day I die. All Penn State has to do is get past Boise State, and it’s barbeque chicken from there.

Nolan: My biggest reason for believing Penn State is capable of a title run is its ability to avoid chaos. We saw plenty of massive upsets that significantly affected the bracket this season, and the only other unscathed team is Oregon. Consistency and reliability may be the most reliable indicators of who’ll win the national championship because of how unpredictable this season has been, and Penn State fits the description. Do not be surprised if there’s a Big Ten Championship rematch on January 20 in Atlanta.