For weeks fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide have been arguing that the 9-3 team should have gotten into the College Football Playoff over ACC runner-up SMU. Well, after the Tide's performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl today,

SMU brings a talented offense, a long-range kicker and a lot of penalties to Penn State for the College Football Playoff.

Penn State begins preparation for the College Football Playoff this week as the Nittany Lions get ready to host the SMU Mustangs in the first round. The ACC runner-ups own one of the top offenses in the country and will present a new challenge for Penn State's defense.

We spoke to an SMU beat writer about the Mustangs and their chances of upsetting Penn State in the College Football Playoff.

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.

Beaver Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in around the entirety of college football so the Mustangs will have their hands full. SMU will need to control the crowd before it gets to be too late if they want any chance of pulling the upset.