Big Ten Championship Preview, Breakdown: An Early Look at Oregon vs. Penn State

We finally made it to championship weekend in college football and this year's iteration has a little different feel than prior years. One of the biggest matchups from this weekend comes to us from the Big Ten as No. 1 Oregon takes on No. 3 Penn State for a first-round bye and likely the top seed in the entire tournament.

The winner of this contest will be crowned Champions of the Big Ten, earning a first-round by in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Saturday night will be the first meeting between these teams since 1994.

So who comes out on top? Which side should you be betting on? I'm breaking it all down in my complete Big Ten Championship preview.

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Big Ten Championship Odds - Oregon vs. Penn State

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Oregon vs. Penn State Date, Time and Where to Watch

• Date: December 7, 2024
• Time: 8:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: CBS

Big Ten Championship Breakdown - Oregon vs. Penn State

Big Ten Championship Prediction - Oregon vs. Penn State

Penn State won that 1994 meeting between the two sides in a Rose Bowl matchup that saw the Nittany Lions come out on top, 38-20. The Nittany Lions lead the overall series 3-1.

Penn State begins Saturday's Big Ten Championship game with a record of 11-1. That record has earned Penn State the No. 3 ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Nittany Lions' lone loss came at home against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

To be honest, the simple fact Penn State is playing in this game is a shock to many. This game was supposed to be a rematch of Ohio State vs. Oregon, a game in which Oregon won by one at home. However, Ohio State embarrassed themselves and lost to Michigan at home as 20.5-point favorites, so they'll be watching this one from home.

On the other hand, Penn State took care of business last week by blowing out Maryland at home to punch their ticket into the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis.

James Franklin has struggled to win the big game during his tenure at Penn State, but a win on Saturday just might make up for his years of struggles in the big game.

Penn State has not won a Big Ten Championship since 2016.

Signal caller Drew Allar leads the team with 2,668 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Running backs Nicholas Singelton and Kaytron Allen have combined for 1,431 yards and twelve touchdowns.

Penn State ranks fourth in points allowed per game (14.0).

Oregon starts the contest ranked No. 1 in the country as the lone unbeaten team. Head coach Dan Lanning has done an outstanding job since taking over the program. People questioned if the Ducks could compete in the Big Ten this season, seeing as the Pac-12 was known for weaker defensive teams. However, Lanning has flipped that narrative, as the Ducks have one of college football's most physical defensive units since joining from the Pac-12.

The Ducks have strong wins on their resume, including a victory over Ohio State earlier this season.

Oregon made a splash in the transfer portal this offseason, adding the ageless wonder Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel has delivered throwing for 3,275 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Running back Jordan James has been one of the best in college football, scampering for 1,166 yards and 13 touchdowns. Senior Tez Johnson has racked up a team-leading 685 yards and nine touchdowns.

Pretty much everywhere you look, the Ducks are 3.5-point favorites.The total for this matchup is set at 49.5.