The third-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions take on top-ranked and undefeated Oregon on Saturday; however, they will have much more at stake than the Big Ten title. This game will be the latest in a long line of “big” games where head coach James Franklin, quarterback Drew Allar, and the rest of the team can prove themselves. The game is also an important primer for the College Football Playoffs (CFP). Barring an unlikely catastrophic fall, both Penn State and Oregon will be a part of the CFP. The winner of this game will earn a first-round bye and advance to the quarterfinals. There will be quite a difference entering the CFP as the Big Ten champs, versus coming off a loss.
Nittany Nation is split on the benefits of Penn State even playing in this game. On one side of the argument, the team earned the right to play for the title and would earn a CFP bye with a win. On the other hand, a few weeks off before hosting a first-round CFP game in Happy Valley sounds good for a team that can use the rest.
Following Penn State’s 20-13 loss to Ohio State in early November, the Big Ten Championship Game looked like a long shot at best. Now, the Nittany Lions will represent the “traditional” Big Ten teams against conference newcomer Oregon for the Big Ten title. What a difference a month makes. For all these reasons, there is much more at stake for Penn State than the Big Ten title.
#3 Penn State (11-1) Takes on #1 Oregon (12-0): More at Stake Than the Big Ten Title
When & Where: Saturday, December 7th, 8:00 pm ET, in Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium)
Last Game’s Results: Both Penn State and Oregon wrapped up successful regular seasons. Penn State beat Maryland at home by a score of 44-7. Oregon defeated Washington 49-21 at home.
Last Season’s Results: Penn State finished ranked #13 after a 10-3 season that ended with a Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. Oregon finished ranked #6 with a record of 12-2, including a win over Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl after losing to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Series History: This is Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten. The Big Ten Championship Game will be the fifth time the teams will meet. Penn State has won three of the four prior contests. They last met in January 1995, when Penn State won 38-20 in the Rose Bowl.
Penn State vs. Oregon Preview: Nittany Lions to Watch
Quarterback Drew Allar
Overall, Drew Allar has had a great season at quarterback for the Nittany Lions. However, the questions linger regarding his ability to beat the best teams. The #1 team in the country, in the Big Ten Championship Game, is a perfect way to put those doubts in the rearview mirror.
Coming into this game, Allar has completed a very efficient 71.6% of his passes. That 71.6% ranks fifth in the nation. He has thrown 18 touchdowns to go along with only five interceptions. Interestingly, the five interceptions are more than double the two he threw last season. Allar’s 18 touchdowns are also below last season’s 25. His efficiency rating of 167.55 ranks seventh in the country.
Having weapons like Mackey Award (top tight end) favorite Tyler Warren will certainly help Allar in this matchup. In his first year in new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s offense, Allar has shown new dimensions to his game. He has run the ball more, and more confidently. He is fourth on the team with 225 rushing yards and tied for second with five rushing touchdowns. Allar has also taken more chances, as evidenced by his increased interceptions. However, the interceptions are a byproduct of him taking more chances in the passing game, which have paid off more times than not.
Allar has another chance to put the questions about winning a big game to bed. He also has about as strong of a supporting cast at running back (Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen) and tight end (Warren) as any quarterback in the country. Notwithstanding the struggles of the wide receivers this year, Allar’s chance to win on the big stage and cement his Penn State legacy as a Big Ten champ make him a Nittany Lion to watch.
Defensive End Abdul Carter
Football teams are made up of different types of individuals, and this Penn State team is no different. On the offensive side of the ball, Warren has been a star-tight end. However, he is very quick to give his teammates (more than) the credit they deserve. Abdul Carter leads the defense, is the unit’s best player, and will tell you so.
Carter made a big move before this season, changing from linebacker to defensive end in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s scheme. What did not change was Carter’s #11 jersey, historically symbolic of the defense’s best player. After a rocky start early in the season, with costly penalties and less impact plays, Carter has gone on to hit his stride.
Entering the Big Ten title game, Carter has 10 sacks. This is tied for second in the Big Ten. His 19.5 tackles for loss lead the conference, with 15 by Mikail Kamara of Indiana ranking second. Carter’s efforts have earned him the nod as a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football. However, he has his sights set on something bigger. After a sack against Maryland, Carter struck the Heisman pose. Discussing it after the game, Carter said “The Heisman is the top player in the country, the best player in the country and I feel like I’m that.”
Carter’s antics and comments are not what you would expect from the traditional team-first Penn State culture. This is the program that does not even have players’ names on their backs. While Carter’s behavior and comments are questionable, his talent is unquestionable. His ability to prove that, in a big game on a big stage, make him a Nittany Lion to watch.
