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Drew Allar, Penn State Football Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Penn State Football BOLD Predictions vs. Oregon Ducks in Big Ten Championship Game

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Brad Kulp | Last updated Dec 6, 2024 6:13 PM ET

Conference Championship Weekend is Here, and Penn State Football is part of the action.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat as the Big Ten Championship game takes center stage Saturday night.

This year, the matchup offers a fascinating clash between the undefeated Oregon Ducks, one of the conference’s newest members, and the surging Nittany Lions.

Oregon, led by head coach Dan Lanning, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel, has emerged as a powerhouse, building an offensive juggernaut that has dominated opponents all season.

On the other side stands Penn State, an 11-1 squad guided by 11th-year head coach James Franklin. The Nittany Lions weren’t expected to reach this stage, but a pivotal Michigan victory over Ohio State opened the door, and Penn State seized the opportunity. Now, Franklin’s team finds itself in control of its destiny, ready to cap a remarkable season with a championship.

3 bold predictions for Penn State heading into Saturday’s Game

Drew Allar and the Penn State Receivers Will Deliver Their Best Game Yet

If Penn State wants to emerge from Indianapolis with a victory, its passing game must step up—and this is the perfect stage to do so.

Quarterback Drew Allar has faced criticism for inconsistent performances this season, but with the return of a fully healthy Harrison Wallace III, the Nittany Lions’ receiving corps will have more options to stretch the field.

While Oregon’s defense will key in on tight end Tyler Warren, the added versatility and depth at receiver could finally spark Penn State’s most complete passing performance of the year. Expect Allar to rise to the occasion under the bright lights.

Oregon QB Dylan Gabriel Will Be Neutralized

DIllon Gabriel Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws a touchdown pass to Terrance Ferguson against Washington at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

Oregon’s Dylan Gabriel has been sensational, but Penn State’s elite front seven is up to the challenge. Led by standouts Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton, the Nittany Lions’ pass rush has been relentless, and their secondary is anchored by Jaylen Reed—arguably one of the nation’s top safeties.

Gabriel will find his moments, but the Nittany Lions’ ability to generate pressure and force turnovers will disrupt his rhythm. Look for Penn State to keep Gabriel in check just enough to turn the tide in their favor.

Penn State Football Will Beat Oregon Decisively

James Franklin, Penn State Football Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin on the sidelines in the first half against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Since their lone loss to Ohio State, James Franklin has embraced a more aggressive coaching style—whether through fake punts, fiery sideline exchanges, or bold offensive play-calling. The Nittany Lions have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and they’ll leave it all on the field Saturday.

Penn State boasts the nation’s fourth-ranked defense, combining speed, depth, and physicality. Meanwhile, an unpredictable and increasingly explosive offense will overwhelm Oregon, whose road schedule hasn’t truly tested them against a team as hungry as Penn State.

The Nittany Lions’ experience in challenging environments and their relentless pursuit of a championship will ultimately make the difference. Expect Penn State to finish the season on a high note—with a statement victory in Indianapolis.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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