When Ioane, a native of the Seattle area, de-committed from the University of Washington, Collins suggested he speak to Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. Ioane wound up committing to the Lions in February 2022.

Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State.

Penn State's first home Playoff game against SMU was a cathartic moment for a program that has hopes of winning even bigger games ahead.

Of the first-round games, Penn State is the second-biggest favorite on the board. The Nittany Lions are favored by more than a touchdown (-8.5), which ranks second to Texas (-12). Although no accumulating snow is expected, temperature at kickoff could hover in the 20s with wind also concern.

Here's what to know about the series history between Penn State and SMU, including all-time meetings and record, ahead of Saturday's CFP game:

For the first time in program history, Penn State is moving on in the College Football Playoff. The (6) Nittany Lions punched their ticket to a showdown against (3) Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal on Dec.