The wait is almost over and Penn State’s chance to win a Big Ten championship is approaching. Everything between James Franklin, Tyler Warren, Abdul Carterand the program’s second Big Ten title in the conference championship era is the nation’s only undefeated team, No. 1 Oregon Ducks. It’s a big deal, that’s for sure!
Penn State and Oregon will meet Saturday night in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship as the Ducks look to complete a 13-0 run to the Big Ten Championship in their first season in the conference, while Penn State looks to break an obstacle. has struggled to do so on several occasions against top competition. But in a college football year like we’ve seen, why can’t Oregon take a loss to Penn State? It certainly wouldn’t be a shock to the world situation if Penn State managed to win the Big Ten championship game. The point gap sits at 3.5 points in favor of Oregon and hasn’t budged all week. So what do you think about Penn State fans?
Will the Nittany Lions party this weekend en route to the College Football Playoff? Our team gives us their thoughts and final score predictions for the Big Ten Championship Game before the conference championship weekend begins.
Shayne: Penn State gets its first shot at a Big Ten championship since 2016 this week against Oregon, the last undefeated team in the FBS. Oregon is obviously a very tough opponent for anyone, but Penn State has struggled in games like this under James Franklin. The defense will likely keep them in for much of the game, but ultimately I think Oregon is the better team and will win a Big Ten title in its first season in conference.
Oregon 27, Penn State 20
Charlie: I love Penn State’s defense and their offense is definitely better than last season. However, Penn State simply has not won a game of this magnitude during James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State. Franklin is 1-13 against top five competitors. For a perennial top 10 team, this record won’t be enough. Penn State can reverse this trend at any time and they have the talent to beat Oregon on Saturday, even if the offense doesn’t play very well. The defense could lead the team to a Big Ten title. As was the case against Ohio State last month, until Penn State proves me wrong and wins a “big game”, I just can’t pick them to upset the #1 team in the country .
Oregon 23, Penn State 16
Kevin: I shared my official prediction with our friends at Ducks Wire this week, and I won’t back down from that. This is a game that will be absolutely winnable for Penn State thanks to a strong defensive effort. My only concern is whether or not the offense can take advantage of some key moments to generate some excitement against a strong Oregon defense. Slow starts have also been a concern for Penn State this season, and we saw the offense get closer to the end zone against the best team on the schedule so far, Ohio State.
I think Oregon has the upper hand for the majority of the game, but a strong push by Penn State in the second half gives the Nittany Lions a tremendous chance to contend for a Big Ten title. Alas, I think Oregon comes away with a close victory to celebrate its first Big Ten championship and goes to the College Football Playoff as the top seed, while Penn State will have a chance to bounce back with a home game at first round.
Oregon 26, Penn State 23
Penn State and Oregon meet in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday, December 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Follow us for continued coverage as Penn State fights for a Big Ten title and makes the College Football Playoff.
