On Saturday, December 7, No. 3 Penn State will travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, to take on No. 1-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game.

How Each Team Reached the Big Ten Championship and What is at Stake

For both Penn State and Oregon, this matchup carries significant implications for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Penn State, once expected to host a first-round playoff game at Beaver Stadium, now finds itself with a chance to skip the first round altogether. A victory in the Big Ten Championship against Oregon could secure a first-round bye in the CFP. This opportunity arose after Ohio State, who defeated Penn State earlier this season, lost to Michigan last Saturday, 13–10. That loss cleared the path for Penn State to reach the championship game.

Meanwhile, Oregon has dominated its schedule this season, going undefeated and earning the No. 1 ranking in the country. The Ducks have steamrolled opponents and established themselves as the team to beat in the Big Ten. If Penn State defeats Oregon, they will not only topple the top-ranked team in the nation but also improve their seeding and earn a bye. Conversely, if Oregon continues its dominance, the Ducks will retain their top spot, while Penn State will drop to a lower seed and face a first-round CFP game.

Historically, Penn State holds a 3–1 record against Oregon, including a victory in their last meeting at the 1995 Rose Bowl. However, this matchup promises to be a tightly contested game with significant stakes for both teams.

What Oregon Must Do to Maintain the No. 1 Seed

To secure a Big Ten Championship victory and retain its No. 1 ranking and seed, Oregon must leverage its dominant defensive line. The Ducks have been elite at pass rushing this season, recording 39 sacks, tied for sixth in the FBS. Their defensive prowess was on full display in last week’s 49–21 rout of Washington, where they tallied 10 sacks, including 2.5 by senior defensive end Jordan Burch.

Penn State’s offensive line, however, has done a commendable job protecting quarterbacks Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, allowing just 11 sacks all season (tied for seventh in the FBS). Even so, Oregon’s combination of size and speed on defense poses a significant challenge. If Oregon’s defense performs at its peak, it could be the key to a championship victory in Indianapolis.

What Penn State Must Do on Both Sides of the Ball to Secure Victory

Penn State faces a daunting task in Indianapolis. Riding high after an 11–1 regular season, the Nittany Lions return to the Big Ten Championship for the first time in eight years. A win here could propel them to the No. 1 seed in the CFP. To achieve this, Penn State must execute effectively on both offense and defense.

Offensively, the Nittany Lions need to rely on senior tight end Tyler Warren, their most versatile weapon. Warren’s remarkable season includes 81 receptions for 978 yards and six touchdowns, along with 21 carries for 189 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Getting Warren involved early and often will be critical to breaking through Oregon’s stout defense.

Defensively, Penn State must limit Oregon’s yards after the catch. The Ducks boast an explosive offense led by running back Jordan James (1,166 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and quarterback Dillon Gabriel (3,275 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions). However, Penn State’s defense, which allows only 97 rushing yards per game, will need to create pressure, make tackles in space, and force the Ducks into third-and-long situations to succeed.

Could Winning the Big Ten Championship Silence Criticism of Coach Franklin?

James Franklin’s reputation for struggling in big games against top-five opponents is well known. Over his 11-year tenure, he has a 1–13 record in such matchups. However, a win over No. 1-ranked Oregon could change that narrative. Critics often cite Franklin’s decision-making in key moments, such as the controversial play call in this year’s 20–13 loss to Ohio State, as evidence of his shortcomings.

A victory in the Big Ten Championship would not only elevate Penn State to new heights but also validate Franklin as a coach capable of winning on college football’s biggest stages.

What to Expect from This Matchup

Fans can anticipate a fast-paced game with scoring fireworks and strong defensive play from both teams. This contest promises to be a nail-biter from start to finish. In the end, Oregon is predicted to edge out Penn State, 27–24, to claim the Big Ten Championship.

Catch the game live on CBS at 8:00 PM EST on Saturday, December 7.