Final score predictions for Oregon Ducks vs. Penn State Nittany Lions: Will James Franklin finally get the big win he desperately needs?

It’s going to be the biggest game of the weekend.

Adam Holt, Brentley Weissman, Rob Gregson, Tyler Forness
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Dec 7, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs for a gain against the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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The biggest game on the Week 5 slate will take place in Happy Valley, as the Oregon Ducks take on the Penn State Nittany Lions.

This is going to be a massive game when it comes to the Big Ten, as the winner could easily be in the conference championship game. It will also be a major NFL Draft showcase with quarterbacks Dante Moore and Drew Allar. Who will step up and get the win for their team? Our college football staff gave their predictions for the game.

Oregon vs. Penn State score predictions

Oregon 34, Penn State 27

Of all the big games in Week 5, this is the best game. It also has the two top 10 teams with the most questions of any in the country. 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. It’s especially problematic that he’s struggled so much against the likes of Florida International and Villanova.

The game will likely be a close one, but James Franklin will come up short once again, and fail to win the big game. Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida

Penn State 35, Oregon 31

Oregon travels to Penn State for a primetime showdown that could shape the playoff picture. For Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, it’s the first real test of his young career. 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.

Oregon’s talent will keep things competitive, but Penn State’s balance and home-field energy carry them to victory in a hard-fought contest. – Brentley Weissman, A to Z Oregon

Oregon 27, Penn State 20

This may be the biggest game of the season so far, it’s a bit of a story of two quarterbacks going in different directions. 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. Both squads will face a tall task in the opposing defenses, but give me Dan Lanning’s team here. – Adam Holt, A to Z New Orleans

Penn State 33, Oregon 20

Oregon vs. Penn State might be the biggest game of the weekend, but it has a real chance to be a blowout in my opinion. Neither one of these teams has played a premier opponent. I’m certainly hoping that Drew Allar and Penn State meet the moment, and we receive a duel between Dante Moore and Allar. But this Oregon team lost a lot of premier talent. They are still very good, and Penn State hasn’t looked great on offense, but one team is much better on paper, and that is Penn State.

That being said, Moore might be the great equalizer here. Some believe he is playing like the best QB in the country, not named John Mateer (that somebody is me). Happy Valley, at night, in whiteout conditions, might be the hardest environment to play in that college football has. Asking the Ducks to fly across country and beat the Nittany Lions is just too tall a task for me. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh

Final score predictions

Our staff is split with two taking Oregon and two paking Penn State. It’s also extremely close with the average score prediction, as the Nittany Lions with 28.75 points edged out the Ducks’ 28.0 points. The game should be a barnburner, and you won’t want to miss it.

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