In week five in the Big Ten there are six teams on a bye. Maryland, Michigan State, #19 Michigan, Nebraska, Purdue, and Wisconsin all get to sit back while the remainder of the field does battle. The most intriguing matchup this weekend is #6 ranked Oregon traveling to Happy Valley to take on the #3 ranked Penn State at 7:30 on NBC. While I am waiting for this game to start, I will surely be flipping between the Ohio State and Washington game and Indiana versus Iowa. I want to see if the point spread is as close as they are calling it for OSU to win by -8.5. On the other hand, I want to see how badly Indiana runs up the score against a mediocre Iowa team. But again, the real game most everyone will be locked in on is the top ten match up with the Ducks and the Nittany Lions.
This will be the first meeting between the teams since Oregon's 45-37 victory over the Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game. Oregon's explosive offense has been impressive so far this season, averaging 523.8 yards per game and 50.8 points per game, good for 8th and 7th in the nation respectively. Quarterback Dante Moore ranks fifth in passing efficiency and has thrown 11 touchdown passes on the season. The Ducks' balanced attack, featuring a three-headed rushing attack, makes them one of the most versatile offenses in the country.
Penn State's defense, however, poses a significant challenge. The Nittany Lions rank ninth in total defense, allowing just 224 yards per game, and third in scoring defense, giving up a mere 5.7 points per game. This is the first time Penn State's defense will face a team with the speed and talent of Oregon's offensive playmakers. Penn State's rushing attack, led by running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, who rushed for 297 yards against Oregon in last year's Big Ten Championship, will be a key factor in this matchup. Quarterback Drew Allar will need to perform consistently and avoid mistakes, something he struggled with in last year's Big Ten Championship, throwing two costly interceptions.
Oregon's visit to Beaver Stadium is a potential trap game for the Nittany Lions, as they are fresh off a bye week while the Ducks just completed a rivalry game and must travel cross-country. In fact, Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning has expressed frustration with the Big Ten's scheduling decisions, noting that six of their seven Big Ten opponents have more preparation time than the Ducks before facing them. This game is crucial for both teams as it will have significant implications for their College Football Playoff aspirations. While Oregon may have the more prolific offense, Penn State's defense and home-field advantage in the "White Out" environment could be the difference makers in this high-stakes Big Ten battle. They are giving Penn State -3.5 on this one, however Ducks head coach Dan Lanning has them playing at a high level. I predict this game to be close, but I see Oregon winning this one 42-35.