The No. 1 Oregon Ducks capped off a rollercoaster college football season with a hard-fought 45-37 victory over the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday night. The victory secured Oregon’s first Big Ten title in its inaugural season in the conference, a 13-0 record, and a coveted first-round bye in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoffs.
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who transferred from Oklahoma last offseason, was the catalyst for the Ducks’ high-powered offense. Gabriel completed 22 of 32 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, earning the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year honors along the way. His connection with receiver Tez Johnson was electric, as Johnson hauled in 11 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, earning game MVP honors.
Gabriel’s favorite target in the red zone, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, also made a significant impact. Both of his catches went for touchdowns, including an acrobatic hurdle over a defender for his first score. Running back Jordan James added 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a critical score in the fourth quarter that extended the Ducks’ lead.
The first half set the tone for the wild contest, with both teams combining for a record-setting 55 points in a Big Ten Championship Game. Oregon jumped out to a 28-10 lead, but Penn State battled back behind quarterback Drew Allar.
Allar finished with 236 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on 20-of-39 passing. His second-half rally was complemented by a strong ground game, with Kaytron Allen rushing for 124 yards and a score before leaving with an ankle injury, and Nicholas Singleton adding 101 yards and a touchdown reception.
Despite the Nittany Lions’ resilience, Oregon’s defense made the pivotal plays when it mattered most. Defensive back Nikko Reed’s acrobatic interception in the final minutes sealed the win, dashing Penn State’s hopes of a late comeback.
A failed two-point conversion by Penn State early in the fourth quarter loomed large. Trailing 38-30, the Nittany Lions opted to go for two after a touchdown but came up short. Oregon responded with a 75-yard drive, capped by James’ 12-yard touchdown run, to extend their lead to 45-30.
Although Penn State answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Allar to Harrison Wallace III to close the gap to 45-37 with 3:41 remaining, their final drive ended with Reed’s interception.
The Ducks proved why they are the top-ranked team in the nation, showing resilience and composure in a tight contest. With the win, Oregon extended their winning streak to 14 games, the longest active streak in FBS. Now, they turn their focus to capturing their first national championship in the upcoming playoff.
Though Penn State fell short, they proved they could compete with the best. Scoring 37 points against the nation’s top team is a testament to the progress of James Franklin’s offense in high-stakes games. The Nittany Lions are poised to host a first-round playoff game, marking their first playoff appearance in program history.
For Oregon, the challenge is clear: stay undefeated and claim the national championship. For Penn State, redemption will come in the playoff’s opening round as they aim to build on their impressive 11-2 season.
As the Ducks move forward, their Big Ten debut season will be remembered as a testament to their adaptability and determination. Now, all eyes turn to the College Football Playoff, where Oregon looks to cement their place in history.
