Penn State has advanced to the Big Ten conference championship game as a result of Ohio State’s home loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the last week of the regular season. To play the unbeaten Oregon Ducks, they will go to the West.
Penn State finished the season 8-1 in the conference and 11-1 overall. Their lone defeat was against Ohio State at home.
As the underdog going into this game, I’ll look at the three main plotlines and provide an overview of the odds from the top PA sportsbooks.
Let’s get started.
1. Can Penn State s offense match their defense?
This year, Penn State’s defense has been outstanding.
They are sixth in terms of running yards allowed (97.2), seventh in terms of passing yards allowed (169.8), fourth in terms of total yards allowed (266.9), and fourth in terms of points allowed (14).
Penn State has performed particularly well in the second half of games, giving up only 1.3 points per game in the second quarter and 3.3 points per game in the sixth quarter.
The Nittany Lions have managed to win close games, such as their victories over Minnesota (26–25), USC (33–30), and Bowling Green (34–27).
But they only scored 13 points against Ohio State in their lone defeat.
Although it isn’t as good as Ohio State’s, Oregon’s defense still manages to give up only 171.8 passing yards (sixth) and 118.2 rushing yards (23rd) per game.
With Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, Penn State needs to start the run early. Tyler Warren, a tight end, is also available to them.
Penn State should win this game if they control the time of possession.
2. Can Penn State win the close game?
This season, both of these teams have played a number of close games. Oregon has played three one-score games and is 3-0, while Penn State has played four and is 3-1.
Boise State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin were the close games for Oregon.
Because Penn State defeated Wisconsin by a number of points earlier in the season, the matchup is noteworthy.
Jordan James, the running back for the Ducks, had 25 touches for 121 yards and a touchdown in that game as Wisconsin shut down the Oregon passing game.
In terms of passing and rushing yards allowed per game, Penn State is ranked higher than Oregon.
Additionally, they average more rushing yards per game (194.7 vs. 176.8).
However, with 268.3 passing yards per game as opposed to Penn State’s 248.2, Oregon is the superior passing team.
Penn State ought should be able to contain this attack and keep it close on paper. Then, it boils down to whether their attack can outperform the Oregon defense and win by a slim margin.
3. Penn State s offensive line against the Oregon pass rush
Oregon ties for fifth place in the nation with 39 sacks at the end of the regular season. They will face an offensive line from Penn State that has only given up four sacks this season. But they have also given in to 93 pressures.
Therefore, teams are not finishing as frequently even though they are getting to Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.
However, as previously stated, Oregon is tied for fifth place in terms of sacks.
Allar will be at his peak if Penn State holds up.
He has completed 77.4% of his throws for 2,111 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions while being maintained clean in the pocket.
However, he only completes 52.9% of his throws for 557 yards, one touchdown, and one pick when he is under pressure.
Since Allar has shown himself to be an incredible passer when kept clean, it will be crucial to keep him clean here.
They will perform at their peak if they can maintain Allar clean in the pocket, which relates to winning the close game.
Penn State vs. Oregon Betting Odds
The Big Ten title game betting odds from the leading PA sportsbooks are listed below.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread: Oregon -3.5 (-105), Penn State +3.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Oregon -160, Penn State +132
Total: 50.5 (-114/-106) Over/Under
Caesars Sportsbook
Spread: Oregon -3.5 (-105), Penn State +3.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Oregon -180, Penn State +152
Overall: Above/Below (-110/-110)
BetMGM Sportsbook
Spread: Oregon -3.5 (-115), Penn State +3.5 (-105).
Moneyline: Oregon -175, Penn State +150
Total: 49.5 (-110/-110) Over/Under
The BetRivers Sportsbook
Spread: Oregon -3.5 (-112), Penn State +3.5 (-109).
Moneyline: Oregon -180, Penn State +145
Above/Below 50 (-109/-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook
Sportsbook by bet365
Sportsbook Fanatics
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