Bryson DeChambeau’s alma mater, the SMU Mustangs, had a day to remember — not necessarily for the right reasons — as they ventured into their first-ever College Football Playoff game against Penn State. As the game unfolded into a tough outing for SMU, DeChambeau found himself engaged, but maybe not quite in the way he imagined.
Having just come off a loss earlier in the week at the Showdown, DeChambeau joined fellow pro golfer Harry Higgs and a throng of SMU alumni who flocked to State College to cheer on their Mustangs. The turnout was so impressive that it overwhelmed the State College Regional Airport, leading to some creative rerouting of private jets.
Among those affected was Bryson, who, along with several SMU donors, had their plane redirected to Williamsport, about 65 miles from Beaver Stadium. This minor travel hiccup meant that the group, which notably included former SMU and NFL star Craig James, had to take a shuttle (or as they enjoyed it, a party bus) to the game, cutting it close as kickoff approached.
The scene was lively, with a photo tweeted by Ross Dellenger capturing the spirited mood aboard the bus. The SMU crew was in for a brisk welcome, as Happy Valley delivered chilly temperatures in the 20s, with wind chills sinking even lower. They were undoubtedly grateful for the warmth and camaraderie on the shuttle, especially as Penn State raced to a commanding 28-0 lead by halftime, fueled by three interceptions off SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings.
For DeChambeau and the SMU faithful, missing the game’s rough first half may have been a blessing in disguise, granting them a chance to focus on the more pleasant aspects of their trip. Amid the harsh on-field realities, the vibrant bar scene in State College is certainly an appealing distraction, offering some post-game solace in Happy Valley.
While the result wasn’t in SMU’s favor, the event demonstrated the strong community and support surrounding the Mustangs, a testament to DeChambeau’s pride and commitment to his alma mater.
