On Saturday, September 27, Penn State will host Oregon in one of college football’s most iconic traditions: the White Out at Beaver Stadium. Now in its 18th year, this year’s edition promises to be one for the ages, with both teams ranked in the AP Top 10. It marks just the second White Out game featuring two Top 10 teams.

Penn State holds an 11–6 all-time record in White Out games. Head coach James Franklin enters the matchup tied with Rip Engle for the second-most wins in program history (104), following a victory over Villanova. Historically, the Nittany Lions are 3–2 against Oregon, but they are 0–1 since both programs joined the Big Ten, losing to the Ducks in last year’s conference championship.

Now, let us dive into what to expect in this highly expected showdown.

Oregon Offense vs. Penn State Defense

Dante Moore is the latest transfer quarterback to thrive under Dan Lanning, following in the footsteps of Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix. The former five-star recruit from UCLA is off to a hot start—completing 74.7% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Moore also has 87 rushing yards, and more designed runs could be featured as the Ducks face their toughest defense yet. His only other road starts this season was a 34–14 win at Northwestern.

Oregon’s receiving corps features several fresh faces. Seniors Malik Benson and Gary Bryant Jr. provide veteran presence, while freshman sensation Dakorien Moore leads the team with 207 receiving yards. Tight end Kenyon Sadie is another key target, tallying 155 yards and a team-leading three touchdown receptions.

The Ducks’ rushing attack is a major strength, featuring a deep and talented backfield. Junior Jayden Lamar has appeared as the primary back, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Noah Washington and Deirdre Hill Jr. are both averaging over 11 yards per carry, while freshman Jordon Davidson has already scored six touchdowns on just 19 carries, finding the end zone in all four games. Makhi Hayes—who topped 1,400 rushing yards in each of his last two seasons at Tulane—has seen limited usage but could be a factor Saturday.

Oregon’s offensive line has been dominant, allowing just one sack and paving the way for 255.2 rushing yards per game.

Penn State’s defense has been dominant in its first three games but faces its toughest test yet. The Nittany Lions must generate pressure on Moore in the raucous White Out environment. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton has looked like one of the best in the nation, while freshman Chaz Coleman is already flashing star potential. The return of Zurich Fisher after two injury-plagued seasons has strengthened the pass rush.

Preseason All-American defensive tackle Zane Durant will play a pivotal role in clogging up the middle and slowing Oregon’s run game. Linebackers Tony Rojas and Amare Campbell—Penn State’s leading tacklers—will need to be sharp in run support and explosive in the backfield.

Penn State’s vaunted secondary has not been tested much this season, but that will change. A.J. Harris and Zakee Wheatley lead the unit, while King Mack has won the starting job after a competitive battle. Mack, the fastest player on the team, could be a difference-maker, especially in run support.

Penn State Offense vs. Oregon Defense

All eyes will be on quarterback Drew Allar. The senior has struggled with consistency in big games—flashing first-round talent on one drive and missing simple reads the next. Saturday is a crucial chance to prove he can lead the team under pressure.

Allar will look to a new trio of weapons brought in through the transfer portal. Wide receiver Trevor Peña and tight end Luke Reynolds have become favorite targets, while Kyron Hudson leads the team with 14 receptions. Devonte Ross has appeared as a deep threat and should see increased usage now that he is fully recovered from a summer injury.

Although Penn State used its non-conference schedule to develop the passing game, expect more commitment to the run this week. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both chasing the school’s all-time rushing record, return for their fourth season together. Allen is averaging 8.0 yards per carry, while Singleton—who is also a receiving threat—is at 4.4 yards.

Penn State’s offensive line, widely considered one of the best in the country, will be key to wearing down Oregon’s aggressive front in the second half.

That will not be easy. Oregon’s defense has been outstanding, ranking near the top nationally in most statistical categories. However, they have struggled to create negative plays—ranking 87th in sacks and 112th in tackles for loss. They are allowing 108.8 rushing yards per game (40th nationally).

The Ducks have elite talent at every level. Teitum Tuioti leads the team in TFLs and QB pressures, while Matayo Uiagalelei—a future first-round pick—has already tallied three sacks. He will be a serious challenge for Penn State tackles Drew Shelton and Nolan Rucci. Linebacker Jerry Mixon is exceptional in coverage, with two interceptions and three breakups, while senior Bryce Boettcher is the heart of the defense and leads the team in tackles by a wide margin.

Simply put, Oregon’s defense is fast, deep, and brimming with NFL-caliber players. Penn State must execute with precision to stay in rhythm and avoid costly mistakes.

Special Teams

Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington is 37-for-43 in his career (86%), with a long of 48 yards. He is 0-for-2 from beyond 50 yards. Punter James Ferguson-Reynolds, a Boise State transfer, is averaging 44.8 yards per punt with a long of 71 and the ability to flip field position with ease.

Penn State’s punter Gabe Nwosu has been outstanding, landing all five punts inside the 20—three of them inside the 10. He is averaging 48.6 yards per punt with a long of 67. Kicker Ryan Barker is 9-for-10 this season, with his only miss coming on a blocked kick. He is still perfect inside 40 yards over the past two seasons.

What to Expect: Penn State vs. Oregon

Neither team has faced a legitimate test this season, and with the constant player movement in college football, it is difficult to assess either squad without a true measuring stick.

Oregon’s offense has looked sharper to this point, but Penn State’s experience—especially at home in front of a deafening White Out crowd—could be the difference.

Expect the Ducks to start fast before the Nittany Lions defense settles in. Look for Penn State to take control in the second half, fueled by a relentless pass rush and a secondary eager to prove its worth. The offense will put together multiple long drives behind its veteran offensive line, gradually wearing down Oregon’s front.

Ultimately, Penn State makes key plays when it matters most to pull off a nail-biting win over one of the nation’s top teams.

Prediction: Penn State 30, Oregon 27
Catch all the action of this highly expected matchup at 7:30 PM on NBC