Final predictions for the Big Ten Championship game between No. 1 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State
This weekend’s Big Ten Championship matchup comes as a bit of a surprise between No. 1 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State. On the line is a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Oregon has been the most impressive team in college football thus far with a 12-0 record. The Ducks’ impressive win is […]
This weekend’s Big Ten Championship matchup comes as a bit of a surprise between No. 1 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State. On the line is a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Oregon has been the most impressive team in college football thus far with a 12-0 record. The Ducks’ impressive win is one that came over Ohio State at home. Penn State is a bit of a surprise to be here, as they needed Michigan to beat the Buckeyes, and they did just that.
A to Z Sports has compiled final predictions for the game that will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Oregon 28, Penn State 20
I think this is a close one up until the fourth quarter when the Ducks pull away. The Nittany Lions will match the physicality of Oregon, but they are just outmatched with athletes. A big game from Abdul Carter would be huge for Penn State, who has a tough task at hand by needing to slow down Dillon Gabriel and the Oregon offense. Oregon will head into the College Football Playoff with a 13-0 record. Thanks to the expanded format, the Nittany Lions will still have plenty to play for. – Brandon Little
Oregon 27, Penn State 17
This feels like a game where Penn State sticks around for a while, but the offensive playmakers eventually take over for the Ducks. Betting on head coach James Franklin in a big game seems unwise, sitting with a 3-19 overall record against top 10 teams. That doesn’t look to change this weekend. – Ryan Roberts
Oregon 27, Penn State 21
Oregon is vulnerable to Penn State’s ability to run the ball and control the clock with their two-headed backfield. This will keep the score lower and Penn State will have the chance to make big plays late. However, Oregon won’t be afraid of getting beat over the top, and their athleticism advantage at receiver will prove to be a difference-maker. – Ian Valentino
Oregon 34, Penn State 21
I'm not buying that this game is going to be close. Not even a little bit. Penn State has a great backfield, but so has Oregon State, Ohio State, Michigan, and Washington. Fresh off a game where the Oregon defense held Washington's Jonah Coleman, who entered the game with over 1,000 rushing yards, to a grand total of three yards on the ground on 11 carries, I'm trusting the No. 1 team in the country to continue to look like it. There's also the James Franlkin element, but I digress. Oregon is healthy with pass rusher Jordan Burch and leading wide receiver Tez Johnson both getting back into the fold last weekend, and I expect their athleticism and talent to win comfortably. Oregon is a wagon that continues to roll. – Jon Helmkamp