The Penn State Nittany Lions And Oregon Ducks Collide In Indianapolis
The Big Ten Conference not only expanded this year with four new schools. The conference will also have a new conference champion whose name isn’t Ohio State or Michigan. The Penn State Nittany Lions and Oregon Ducks will face each other on Saturday night for the Big Ten Conference Championship. This game will be a history-making game in the process from start to finish. Now, we will preview the game.
No. 1 Oregon Ducks
Under Head Coach Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks have rolled to an 12-0 record in their first season in the Big Ten Conference. Oregon is lead by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Even though this is the Duck’s first season in the Big Ten. Oregon has demonstrated strengths and weaknesses. Currently, the Ducks rank No. 7 in the NCAA in total defense. allowing 4.7 yards per play. Further, the Ducks are 22nd in rushing defense allowing 3.60 yards per rush and 112.2 yards per game.
Similarly, Oregon ranks No. 15 in total offense averaging 6.61 yards per play and 448.5 yards per game. Additionally, the Ducks rank No. 14 in total passing offense 11.73 yards per completion and 277.6 yards per game.
No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions
This is a surprise spot that Penn State finds themselves in. However, they are in this spot. This is yet another opportunity for James Franklin and his staff to show why they belong. Under experienced quarterback Drew Allar, Penn State has found itself in the thick of the College Football Playoff picture. Add the duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Penn State has many avenues to keep the defense on their heels. Additionally, Tyler Warren is a name that has been under the radar and should be considered as a Heisman Trophy Candidate. The Nittany Lions rank No. 19 in total offense averaging 6.80 yards per play and 442.8 yards per game. On top of that, Penn State ranks No. 25 in rushing offense averaging 5.11 yards per play and 194.7 yards per game.
Likewise, the Nittany Lions rank No. 40 in passing offense. Averaging 9.16 yards per attempt, 12.78 yards per completion, and 248.2 yards per game. On the other hand, Penn State ranks No. 4 in total defense averaging 4.49 yards per play and 266.8 yards per game.
Common Opponents Between Both Programs
Oregon and Penn State have seven common opponents this season. Those opponents are Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois, UCLA, Washington, Maryland, and Ohio State. Oregon is 7-0 and Penn State is 6-1. However, with some of these common opponents, the games were close. Oregon beat Wisconsin by three and Ohio State by one. Likewise, Penn State beat Wisconsin 28-13 and lost to Ohio State 20-13
Big Ten Conference History
This will be the first Big Ten Conference Championship played where there will be no division format. A program will be competing for the first time. The last time Penn State won the Big Ten Championship was in 2016 against Wisconsin. This will also be the first AP top-3 matchup in an FBS Conference Championship since 2012. The winner will clinch a first-round bye in the newly formated twelve team College Football Playoff.
Kickoff And Odds
Right now, kickoff is set for 8 P.M. on CBS from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Currently, Oregon is favored by -3.5 points. Will Oregon have a perfect season and win the Big Ten Conference title in their first season. Or, will Penn State find a way to have their running attack and strong defense uplift them to the Big Ten Conference title.