Lashlee: SMU 'deserved' to be in CFP despite blowout loss
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said his team belonged in the College Football Playoff despite Saturday's 38-10 loss to Penn State.
"We didn't play very good today. But this team is a quality team. We were a good team, we earned our spot here, deserved to be here," Lashlee said postgame, according to Jacob Richman of LoneStarLive.com.
SMU suffered a last-second loss to Clemson in the ACC title game but earned the final at-large playoff spot over Alabama despite the Crimson Tide having a tougher schedule that included a win over Georgia.
However, the Mustangs never really had a chance in their first CFP appearance Saturday versus the Nittany Lions. Penn State forced three Kevin Jennings interceptions, including two pick-6s in the first half. SMU was limited to 3-for-14 on third-down situations and didn't find the end zone for its only touchdown until midway through the fourth quarter.
Social media immediately reacted to Penn State's dominant win, questioning if the committee got it right by giving a playoff spot to the Mustangs. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was among those unimpressed by Saturday's contest.
Way to keep us on the edge of our seats Committee …. Riveting
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) December 21, 2024
"We've been revived," Lashlee said. "We've returned to the national stage but proved we have a long way to go."
The sideline boss added that the cold weather had no impact on his team's disappointing performance.
Jennings shouldered the blame for SMU's offensive struggles.
"I just had a terrible game. That's it," the quarterback said, according to Richman.
With the victory, Penn State advanced to the CFP quarterfinals to face Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.