In a nail-biting showdown, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks defeated the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions 45-37 on Saturday night to claim the Big Ten Championship. This historic win not only solidifies Oregon’s undefeated 13-0 season but also guarantees them a first-round bye and likely the No. 1 seed in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff.
Oregon Ducks Triumph In Thrilling 45-37 Win
The Oregon Ducks exploded out of the gates, building a commanding 28-10 lead in the first half. However, the Nittany Lions, led by quarterback Drew Allar, fought back to trim the deficit to just four points by halftime. Despite the momentum shift, Oregon maintained composure, entering the locker room with a 31-24 advantage.
While Oregon celebrated their victory, Penn State coach James Franklin voiced frustrations over the officiating. “I give Oregon a ton of credit, but the penalties were pretty lopsided,” Franklin remarked after the game. A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when a potential personal foul by Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher went uncalled. Boettcher appeared to throw Allar down after the play was whistled dead, leaving Penn State short of an automatic first down. The ensuing missed field goal by Ryan Barker underscored the significance of the no-call in such a tight contest.
This win marks the first time in program history that the Ducks have achieved a perfect 13-0 record. The victory not only crowns them Big Ten champions but also sets the stage for a deep playoff run. With a first-round bye secured, Oregon has cemented its status as a dominant force in college football this season.
As fans await the final playoff rankings, one thing is certain: the Ducks are flying high, and their eyes are set on the ultimate prize—a national championship.
