Oregon vs. Penn State: Big Ten Championship odds, predictions, picks and best bets

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks will take on the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the Big Ten Championship. Both of these teams are a lock for the College Football Playoff regardless of the outcome, but there's plenty reason for both to play hard – such as […]

Nick Roesch — NFL Trending News Writer

Dec 5, 2024 1:45 PM EST

Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson hauls in a touchdown pass — © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks will take on the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the Big Ten Championship.

Both of these teams are a lock for the College Football Playoff regardless of the outcome, but there's plenty reason for both to play hard – such as seeding and the pride of being Big Ten champs.

Oregon is undefeated and has been ranked at No. 1 for seven consecutive weeks. It's offense is led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is having a stellar season with 3,275 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Running back Jordan James and receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart round out a dangerous cast of weapons for the Ducks.

The only blemish on Penn State's record is a seven-point loss to Ohio State last month. The Nittany Lions' defense is one of the best units in the nation, ranking sixth in points allowed and fourth in total yards. Offensively, Penn State ranks first in the Big Ten in rushing, led by a dynamic running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

Here are the best odds, bets and predictions for this matchup.

*Odds from BetMGM and subject to change

Oregon vs. Penn State Moneyline

Oregon: -175
Penn State: +150

These teams are very similar, with Oregon have a slightly better offense and Penn State the better defense. However, they are both very well-rounded, and this game could come down to a couple of big plays. The Ducks will have to key in on Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren, who is probably the most dangerous playmaker in this game.

Fortunately for Oregon, it has a very good secondary. It also has an elite pass rush, which will limit the time it takes for routes to develop. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar will struggle to put up points if he's under duress. As good as the Nittany Lions' defense is, the Ducks have enough weapons to have a solid day offensively, and I don't think Penn State can quite keep up.

Oregon vs. Penn State Spread

Oregon: -3.5 (-110)
Penn State: +3.5 (-110)

Although I think Oregon will pull it out, this spread is a little too much. I'm betting Penn State to cover.