With conference bragging rights and a College Football Playoff first-round bye at stake, Penn State will play Oregon in the Big Ten championship game.
On Saturday night, the No. 1 Ducks and the No. 3-ranked Nittany Lions will play at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. CBS will broadcast the Big Ten championship game, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
This presents James Franklin and his program with a huge opportunity. For the first time since 2016, Penn State will compete for the Big Ten championship. The Nittany Lions have the chance to defeat a top-ranked team for the first time since defeating Notre Dame in 1990.
Ohio State’s shocking loss to Michigan last weekend let Penn State, who concluded the regular season with an 11-1 record, go to the Big Ten championship game. Oregon won its spot as the FBS’s lone unbeaten team at the end of the regular season.
When it comes to the Ducks, Penn State is a little underdog. The Nittany Lions are only the underdog for the second match this season after losing to Ohio State at home on November 2.
Will Oregon be defeated by Abdul Carter, Drew Allar, and the Nittany Lions? Or will they be waiting for Sunday’s selection show to reveal their opponent and CFP seeding?
These are the Big Ten championship predictions made by PennLive’s staff.
Reporter Johnny McGonigal of PennLive
No Penn State fan could have predicted that the game would be that close. Following the Nittany Lions’ bye week, Bob Flounders and Johnny McGonigal of PennLive discuss the team’s struggles against Bowling Green and their future [email protected] | Megan Lavey-Heaton
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, and Abdul Carter are the players on the spot. Oregon was selected as a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which is presented to the best offensive line in college football. As the second-fewest team in the Big Ten, the Ducks have given up 12 sacks and 43 tackles for loss. With 19 1/2 TFLs, Carter is ranked third in the country. One of the nation’s most disruptive defensive tackles has been Durant. And in contrast to Carter, Dennis-Sutton, who is now well, can make a difference. It might be a long night if those three don’t make it home.
You shouldn’t be shocked if…Gabriel comes up with a couple of really annoying plays out of thin air. The senior in his sixth year excels at prolonging plays. It’s hard to stick with his three wide receivers, Traeshon Holden, Evan Stewart, and Tez Johnson. Gabriel is also prepared to tuck and run when no one is available, particularly in goal-to-go circumstances.
PREDICTION: ESPN and I both believe this to be a toss-up. According to ESPN’s sophisticated metrics, Penn State has a 51% chance of winning. However, I believe we will discuss the disparity in wide receiver talent after the game. I would pick Oregon’s three wideouts over Penn State’s in a close game when one huge play may decide the outcome.The selection: Penn State 27, Oregon 31.
Reporter Bob Flounders of PennLive
Bob Flounders, a PennLive reporter for Penn State, works during the July 22, 2021, Big Ten Football Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
[email protected] Joe [email protected] Joe Hermitt
ASSISTANTS ON THE SPOT:Penn State will need a strong day from one of their wide receivers in order to win. What is Harrison Wallace III’s health status? Tyler Warren by himself as a receiver won’t cut it, in my opinion.
You shouldn’t be shocked if…After halftime, the offenses ramp up. The defenses of Oregon and Penn State are too strong. However, it’s over if any of the skill players take a stride or two into space. There were a few spectacular plays in the last half hour.
PREDICTION: At moments, both defenses will appear to be in control. The winning team will be the one with the superior offense.Penn State 20; Oregon 24.
Max Ralph, a reporter for PennLive
During a media day event, linebacker Tyler Elsdon talks with Max Ralph, a sports reporter for PennLive. 3 August 2024. Brown, Jimmie. [email protected], Jimmie
Zane Durant, Dani Dennis-Sutton, and Abdul Carter are the players on the spot. The passing attack of Oregon, spearheaded by Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Dillon Gabriel, is particularly potent. He has four competent tight ends or receivers. However, Penn State will need to make Gabriel uncomfortable and possibly force a turnover or two if it hopes to slow down the Ducks. This game will be competitive if the three Nittany Lion pass rushers have a strong day.
You shouldn’t be shocked if…On Saturday, Penn State finds it difficult to keep Drew Allar safe. Phil Trautwein, the offensive line coach, and his staff have done an outstanding job of establishing a solid reputation. With just 11 sacks allowed this season, the Lions lead the Big Ten, but they have been injured at other positions and have lost right tackle Anthony Donkoh for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Oregon boasts two potent edge rushers in Matayo Uiagalelei and Jordan Burch. Allar could need to extend plays and use his legs a little.
PREDICTION: Penn State is as likely as anyone to upset the nation’s top team. I’m a little worried about Penn State’s offensive ability, but their defense can be opportunistic and contain Oregon’s top team. Though I believe the Nittany Lions lose, this will be an entertaining game.Penn State 20; Oregon 27.
Joe Hermitt, photojournalist for PennLive
Joe Hermitt, a PennLive photographer, documents a 2023 Penn State game.
Paul Burdick took the picture.PennLive
Players on the spot: Oregon will be a step up in class, but Penn State’s pass defense has been outstanding this season. With three wide receivers who can compete with anyone in college football, Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel leads the country in completion % and has an abundance of weapons for massive plays. To limit the damage, particularly yards after the catch, PSU’s secondary, which is often the playing man, will want assistance from the pass rush. In order to keep them in the game, defense should give up a lot of yards but stiffen in the red zone.
You shouldn’t be shocked if…The game is ultimately decided by Oregon’s defensive line. Everyone talks about the Ducks offense, but the guys in the defensive trenches, tackle Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell and edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Jordan Burch are studs. The last time PSU has faced a D-line in the same class was Ohio State and we all know what happened there.
PREDICTION: PSU will defeat Oregon by outlasting them physically. The Lions cannot match the Ducks explosive offense, so they need to run the ball, control clock and keep that high-powered offense off the field.Nicholas Singletonhas been playing well and is the key to game. In the end, PSU will have to work a lot harder to score and Oregon gets more big plays and quick scores.Penn State 20; Oregon 27.
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