#image_title
0
0
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State hasn’t forgotten what happened last December in Indianapolis. Oregon spoiled the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten Championship hopes, leaving Beaver Stadium faithful with unfinished business. On Saturday night, No. 3 Penn State gets its chance at revenge when it hosts No. 6 Oregon in front of more than 107,000 fans for the annual White Out, one of the most intimidating environments in college football.
This time, the stakes are even higher. Both teams are undefeated, both are top-10 ranked, and both are positioning themselves for an early advantage in the College Football Playoff race.
Allar Under the Lights
Quarterback Drew Allar will be at the center of Penn State’s attack. The 6-foot-5 junior has started 2025 steadily, throwing for 626 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception across three games. In 2024, he proved he could handle the grind of Big Ten play with 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and only eight picks.
“This is why you come to Penn State, for games like this,” head coach James Franklin said. “You embrace the environment, the energy, and the competition. Oregon is one of the best teams in the country, and we’re excited for the challenge.”
Allar doesn’t rely on his legs, but his accuracy in the intermediate passing game and ability to stay poised against pressure will be critical. If he distributes the ball effectively, it will force Oregon’s defense to respect more than just the run.
Twin Thunder in the Backfield
Penn State’s trademark remains its backfield duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, nicknamed “Twin Thunder” for the power and speed they bring together.
Allen showed his consistency earlier this season with a 144-yard, one-touchdown performance against FIU, proving he can churn out tough yards between the tackles. Singleton brings the explosive element, capable of changing a game with a single burst through the line or on the edge.
“They’re both special players,” Franklin said. “It gives us flexibility in how we attack defenses. You can’t key on just one guy, because they’ll both make you pay.”
Together, Singleton and Allen give Penn State balance. Sustaining drives on the ground will be crucial not just for yardage, but also for keeping Oregon’s offense off the field and creating play-action opportunities for Allar.
Defensive Stars Take Center Stage
Penn State’s defense may ultimately define this matchup. Edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton leads the unit after producing 8.5 sacks a season ago. His ability to collapse the pocket will be key in containing Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who thrives when he has time to operate.
In the secondary, safety Zakee Wheatley returns after posting 77 tackles in 2024 and earning MVP honors in the Nittany Lions’ bowl game. He brings both range and toughness, able to support in run defense while also patrolling the deep field. Cornerback Elliot Washington II is expected to play a significant role as Oregon tests Penn State’s coverage with its speed on the outside.
“Penn State is extremely well-coached and physical,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said. “Going into Beaver Stadium at night, that’s as tough an environment as it gets. For us, it’s about playing our brand of football, no matter the setting.”
Trench Warfare and Turnover Battle
As Franklin has emphasized all week, the game will likely come down to who controls the line of scrimmage. Without linebacker Abdul Carter, now in the NFL, Penn State leans heavily on Dennis-Sutton and rotational players like Zuriah Fisher and freshman Chaz Coleman to generate pressure up front. If they can force Moore into hurried throws, the secondary will have chances to capitalize.
On offense, Penn State’s line must protect Allar from Oregon’s blitz packages while creating room for Singleton and Allen. Negative plays will stall drives, and avoiding sacks or turnovers will be crucial in front of the White Out crowd.
Penn State has forced takeaways in each of its first three games, and the energy of 107,000 fans only magnifies mistakes. A key interception or strip sack could flip momentum in a heartbeat.
The White Out Factor
The White Out has long been recognized as one of the premier spectacles in college football, and Franklin believes it is more than just atmosphere.
“Our fans are phenomenal,” Franklin said. “There’s nothing like the White Out in college football. It’s a real advantage, and we need everyone at their best.”
For Oregon, the challenge will be handling the deafening noise and pressure. Moore is talented, but he has never faced a road test quite like this. Communication and poise will be paramount for the Ducks to avoid miscues.
What’s at Stake
Both Penn State and Oregon enter unbeaten, with the Nittany Lions ranked No. 3 and the Ducks at No. 6. Oddsmakers list Penn State as a slight favorite at -3.5, underscoring the razor-thin margin between these two heavyweights.
“This is a heavyweight fight,” Lanning said. “Penn State has a great defense. We’ve got to match that intensity for four quarters.”
For Penn State, Saturday represents more than just another White Out. It is a chance for redemption against the team that denied them a conference title, a chance for Allar to prove he is ready for the spotlight, and a chance for “Twin Thunder” and the defense to leave their stamp on a season with championship aspirations.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
About the Author
