The first quarter
Penn State 0; Oregon 7
10.40: That was quick. In its opening offensive drive, Oregon went 84 yards on nine plays and dominated Penn State on the ground for the most of the drive. After PSU defensive tackle Coziah Izzard’s facemask put the Ducks within striking distance, Gabriel hit TE Kenyon Sadiq for a 28-yard touchdown. Sadiq’s hurdle on his way to the end zone made Lions corner Jalen Kimber look foolish.
15:00: After winning the coin toss, Penn State advanced to the second half. First up was the Oregon offense, led by Dillon Gabriel.
The city of IndianapolisThe Nittany Lions are participating in the Big Ten Championship game for the second time in James Franklin Penn State history.
This time, No. 3 Penn State will need to upset the nation’s final undefeated team, No. 1 Oregon. Since the winner will receive a first-round bye and the loser will likely host a first-round game, the game will also have important College Football Playoff ramifications.
With quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy candidate and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, leading the way, Dan Lanning’s Ducks have excelled on both sides of the ball this season. They have three outstanding wide receivers with at least 500 receiving yards this season: Evan Stewart, Traeshon Holden, and Tez Johnson. Jordan James, a running back, has 13 touchdowns and more than 1,100 yards.
Oregon may even be superior defensively, particularly up front. Jordan Burch (8.5 sacks) and Matayo Uiagalelei (10.5 sacks) are both dangerous defensive ends. All night long, Penn State will be busy.
It will be Franklin’s 100th game at Penn State if the Lions win.
UPDATES FOR PREGAME
The majority of Penn State’s availability report was positive. Harrison Wallace III, the star wide receiver who missed last week’s game, has been cleared to play. Rotational cornerback Elliot Washington II was also not on the list after missing two consecutive games. DaKaari Nelson, the reserve linebacker and special teams star, was dubious.
But before the game, Nelson was getting dressed and warming up.
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