Head-to-head info
There have been four meetings overall between the two programs, but none of them have come recently. The last time they met was in the late 90s in the Rose Bowl, with Penn State winning 38-20. While the Nittany Lions are 3-1 all-time against the Ducks, things are much different now and Oregon is one of the most dominant teams in the country.
Can Penn State get it done?
The Nittany Lions haven’t won a conference title since 2016, but they will have their eyes set on it here. Penn State had a solid season, going 11-1 and winning their last four games against Washington, Purdue, Minnesota, and Maryland. That was after losing to Ohio State in Week 10, their only defeat. Quarterback Drew Allar has been pretty good for most of the year and is especially playing well as of late.
Overall, he’s completed 71.6% of his throws for 2,668 yards and 18 touchdowns against five interceptions while getting sacked just 11 times. The Penn State offensive line is protecting Allar very well. The key to victory for the Nittany Lions will be their defense, though. They’re top-five in the country against the pass and against the run. Penn State is also allowing just 13.8 points per game, which is fourth in the nation. If Franklin’s group is going to win this game, it will come down to their ability to stop Oregon’s elite attack.
That being said, Penn State is no pushover offensively, either. They have a productive run game and rank 22nd in the country in total yards. Tight end Tyler Warren is Allar’s favorite target by a mile, reeling in 81 receptions for 978 yards and six touchdowns. Nicholas Singleton meanwhile is their top running back with 6.1 yards per carry. Penn State is a very slim underdog on Saturday at online betting sites.
Oregon looks unstoppable
The Ducks are already a lock for the College Football Playoff and have arguably the most balanced team in the country. Oregon is led by QB transfer Dillon Gabriel, who put together a Heisman-type season. Gabriel balled out in ‘24, who completed 73.5% of his throws for 3,275 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He also added six rushing TDs of his own.
Dan Lanning’s squad is 18th in total yards, 14th in passing yards, and 19th in points scored. They truly ran through every opponent this season, beating the likes of Boise State, UCLA, Ohio State, and Michigan, among others. No one could touch Oregon and they will certainly be feeling confident heading into the Big Ten Championship.
Tez Johnson is the main man out wide while Jordan James is a workhorse on the ground for the Ducks. Oregon’s offense is capable of beating anyone while their defense is also elite. If Gabriel and Co. bring their best in Indianapolis, Penn State will have a difficult time winning this one. The Ducks are a 3.5-point favorite at Sports Interaction.
