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Penn State vs. Oregon has seismic implications

It’s only Week 5 of the college football season, and we’re already being blessed with multiple insane matchups. Oregon vs. Penn State has the potential to have the most significant impact on the college football landscape out of all of the games this weekend.

Depending on how both squads play, the outcome will change everything about this season. This game will change our perspective on where Oregon quarterback Dante Moore stands in the Heisman race and could give Penn State quarterback Drew Allar a chance to re-enter the discussion. The winner will have an early lead in the sprint for who will win the Big Ten. And most importantly, the victor could claim the title as the best team in the country.

The A to Z Sports college football staff dropped their predictions for how they foresee this game unfolding. Here are the top notes from our fantastic writers.

“While Moore has looked sharp early, he now faces a veteran Penn State defense in one of the most hostile environments in college football-the White Out at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions’ edge comes on the ground. Their two-headed rushing attack has worn down opponents all season, and Oregon’s defense will need to prove it can hold up against a physical front. Adding to the challenge is quarterback Drew Allar, who has shown a growing willingness to use his legs. His ability to extend drives outside the pocket could be the difference in a tight game.” —Brentley Weissman

“People are getting squirrelly regarding Drew Allar – for good reason. While his great plays are incredible, the consistency still isn’t there in his profile. After multiple seasons of that, it’s tough to project him shaking the trend against the Ducks. Meanwhile, Dante Moore has gone from superstar HS prospect to legitimate, potential first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft in just a month. He and the Oregon offense are explosive and ooze physical gifts.” —Adam Holt

“Oregon has been lighting teams up so far this season, but the offense has stalled out more often than they would have liked. However, Oregon finally has a quarterback with legitimate arm talent to operate the offense, and he has done a great job finding the likes of Dakorien Moore and Kenyon Sadiq. On the Penn State side, the run game has been solid for the Nittany Lions, but they also have played in three cakewalk games. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have been great, but Drew Allar has yet to show the necessary growth as a passer.” —Tyler Forness

I side with Holt and Forness for this game. While both squads are tremendously talented, boasting elite players at multiple positions, this game ultimately comes down to the quarterbacks. Both Forness and Holt pointed out one thing that has me incredibly uneasy for Penn State. Allar appears not to have improved from last year, and Moore looks extremely natural.

While experience is essential in college football, we must acknowledge that most of Allar’s performance in big games is shaky. Allar has the tools of a top NFL Draft prospect, but it hasn’t clicked for him just yet. If this game came down to a final drive, I’d trust Moore a lot more. Maybe when the lights come on in Happy Valley, a side of Allar we haven’t seen emerges. However, I find it hard to believe considering his history.

The SEC’s massive showdown

Last year’s battle between Alabama and Georgia gave college football fans unbelievable theatrics. What appeared to be a blowout for the Crimson Tide ended in a near comeback for the Bulldogs. This year, we shouldn’t expect any less drama.

Georgia enters the game riding momentum after their impressive road victory over Tennessee. Quarterback Gunner Stockton was unleashed, as the Bulldogs’ offense flashed legit explosiveness. Their ability to trade blows with the Volunteers proved they’re not to be trifled with.

On the opposite side, Alabama has regained its footing since an embarrassing Week 1 loss to Florida State. While their win over Wisconsin was impressive, and quarterback Ty Simpson looks like a top 10 passer, the Crimson Tide still needs to prove itself. A road victory over a hated rival would go a long way.

Our A to Z Sports college football staff shared their predictions for how they believe this game will transpire on Saturday night. Let’s take a look at some of the notable quotes supporting both sides.

“I’m still selling Alabama until we finally see some signs of life and development from this team against top competition. While the Bulldogs are outpacing offensive expectations at a level I didn’t foresee, Alabama’s red flags from the offseason might’ve been undersold. This could be the straw that breaks the fan base’s belief in Kalen DeBoer.” —Ian Valentino

“Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton finally shut down critics in his first SEC road match against the Vols two weeks ago and proved that he has a legitimate arm that he isn’t afraid to use. What I love so much about Stockton’s response to that massive win is just how humble he remained. He has now proven he can hang against the best and I think welcoming the Crimson Tide “Between the Hedges” in front of their hometown crowd will give him and the rest of the Dawgs a major boost.” —Kelsey Kramer

“The Georgia Bulldogs had an impressive come-from-behind win in Neyland Stadium against a very good Tennessee Vols team. I think Alabama is a little bit better, though. I think Ty Simpson has settled in nicely after a rocky start, and that Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb know where their bread is buttered on offense. That being Ryan Williams and the return of Jam Miler. Defensively is where this game is tricky … Alabama will need all of its horses to slow down Gunner Stockton and the dogs, but I think they get the job done.” —Rob Gregson

Gregson’s efforts to champion Alabama’s passing attack caught my attention for this game, but I side with Kramer and Valentino. Seeing the massive splash plays that Tennessee was able to orchestrate through the air does concern me for Georgia. The Bulldogs will need to be more locked down in coverage to prevent Ryan Williams from dominating.

However, Georgia should win this game based on the way they succeeded against Tennessee. Neyland is one of the most challenging road environments in the country, and they maintained late-game composure to secure the win. They also needed to go shot-for-shot with Tennessee’s passing attack. Considering many came into that game doubting their ability to air out defenses, Georgia has already proven they’re more dangerous offensively than a year ago.

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