Oregon holds off Penn State for the Big Ten title, securing a coveted first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Five months prior, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and several players made headlines at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, stepping into the spotlight as fresh faces in a conference dominated by Midwestern teams. Their introduction at the Big Ten Media Days in late July included the whimsical release of a giant inflatable duck into a local river, symbolizing the Ducks’ unique identity. They faced a barrage of questions about their strong ties to Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who plays a significant role in funding Oregon’s extensive NIL initiatives. Their approach felt refreshingly different.
Fast-forward to December, and the Ducks returned to Indianapolis with a perfect record and a No. 1 ranking. This time, their distinctiveness translated into success as they triumphed over Penn State, 45-37, in a thrilling offensive showdown. This victory not only showcased Oregon’s prowess but also solidified their status as the Big Ten’s best hope for a national championship, both now and in future seasons, as long as Lanning remains at the helm. The Ducks amassed 466 total offensive yards and scored on seven out of eleven possessions before winding down the clock in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel shone brightly, completing 22 of 32 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, while the ground game steamrolled through a top-10 rushing defense, racking up 183 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Tez Johnson, fully recovered from injury, delivered a standout performance with 11 receptions for a career-high 181 yards and a touchdown.
The Ducks’ reward? They not only claimed their first Big Ten Championship but also secured the No. 1 overall seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff, with the bracket set to be announced on Sunday afternoon.
Here are some key takeaways from the game:
Early difference
The first half saw both teams gain over 250 total yards, with each scoring on five possessions, leading to a combined 55 points—setting a new single-half record for the Big Ten Championship game. However, the turning point came when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw an interception early in the second quarter. At that moment, the Nittany Lions were already trailing by 11 points, and the pressure intensified as they faced an opponent known for scoring at least 35 points in five of their last six games. Penn State needed a drive that could change momentum, control the clock, and result in a score.
Instead, Allar made a critical error, forcing a pass into tight coverage against tight end Khalil Dinkins. The ball sailed behind Dinkins and landed in the hands of Oregon defensive back Dontae Manning, a fifth-year senior who is one of the few non-transfers in the Ducks’ secondary. Manning intercepted the pass at Penn State’s 25-yard line and nearly returned it for a touchdown, getting stopped just short by wide receiver Harrison Wallace III.
Play of the game
For Gabriel, a sixth-year senior whose football journey has taken him from Central Florida to Oklahoma and now Oregon, moments like this are why he chose to return to college instead of entering the NFL Draft. He demonstrated remarkable poise in the pocket, finding tight end Terrance Ferguson open for a crucial 20-yard catch and run when all other receivers were covered. Ferguson’s determined run brought the Ducks to the Penn State 15-yard line.
From that position, running back James needed only two carries to reach the end zone again, extending Oregon’s lead to double digits with 7:28 remaining. The Ducks recognized that Lanning’s calculated risk had paid off in a high-stakes environment, bringing the Big Ten title within reach.
Key stat
When Penn State head coach James Franklin discusses what makes Allar, a former five-star recruit, an elite quarterback, he often highlights his impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio. Last season, Allar threw 25 touchdowns and only two interceptions in his first year as a starter. As of the Big Ten Championship kickoff, he had recorded 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in the 2024 season, with three of those interceptions occurring against USC in October—the only game in his collegiate career where he threw multiple interceptions.
Until Saturday.
On the biggest stage of his career, with the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff at stake, Allar completed 20 of 39 passes for 226 yards, three touchdowns, and two critical interceptions—one that set up an easy touchdown for the Ducks and another that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter. With his team trailing by eight points in the final moments, Allar made a risky decision to throw toward Wallace, who was tightly covered by cornerback Nikko Reed. Reed, a former transfer from Colorado, was in a better position to make a play on the ball and executed an impressive over-the-shoulder interception that stunned the crowd. He celebrated with 1:54 left, knowing that all Oregon needed was one first down to secure the trophy.
Franklin stood with his hands on his hips, caught between disbelief and disappointment. Allar, once celebrated for his decision-making, faced the harsh reality of faltering when it mattered most.
What’s next for Oregon?
With their perfect record intact after the Big Ten Championship game, Oregon has secured the No. 1 seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. As one of the top four ranked conference champions, the Ducks will receive a first-round bye and will face the winner of the 8-9 matchup on neutral ground. The quarterfinals are set for December 31 at the Fiesta Bowl and January 1 at the Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl.
What’s next for Penn State?
Despite the loss, Penn State’s 11-1 regular season record guarantees them a spot in the College Football Playoff. The only question remaining, especially after second-ranked Texas lost to Georgia in the SEC title game, is whether the Nittany Lions can secure a first-round bye and the No. 1 seed by defeating Oregon, or if they will be hoping for an at-large berth that could lead to a home game at Beaver Stadium. The selection committee’s decision on how far to drop Penn State after their eight-point loss on neutral ground, especially with teams like Ohio State and Tennessee not competing, remains to be seen.
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