Bryson Blue
Writer
The No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions will host the No. 6 Oregon Ducks in a pivotal Big Ten clash on Sept. 27. ESPN will travel to Happy Valley for its College Gameday presentation, adding fuel to the fire. Both teams are hot, but only one can come out on top.
The last time these two teams saw each other was back in Dec. 2024, when the Ducks beat the Nittany Lions, 45-37, in the Big Ten Championship. The new look Ducks look to prove they are legit behind star quarterback Dante Moore. On the other sideline, QB Drew Allar and head coach James Franklin want to make a statement. They aim to show that this is Penn State’s year.
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM EDT
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
TV: NBC/Peacock
This game is huge. There is no doubt about it. College Gameday, Top 10 face-off, Big Ten titans, and the famous Penn State whiteout. While still early in the season, this game has massive playoff implications already. This is both teams’ first measuring stick, and a win for either side sets them up well for the rest of the season. If Penn State wins, it adds some wiggle room for results against Ohio State and Indiana later this season. If Oregon wins, there is less pressure when they play Indiana and USC.
In a game like this, Penn State’s QB Allar has to play his best. In the Big Ten Championship Game, the Nittany Lions were able to run all over the Ducks and will look to do the same here. But if Allar shows up big and takes care of business, it will be extremely hard for the Ducks to upset the Nittany Lions. The offense hasn’t been exactly where Penn State fans have wanted, but that could all change this week. So far, Allar has thrown for 626 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception in three games.
On the defensive side of the ball, look for the linebacker duo of Amare Campbell and Tony Rojas to pressure Moore. The sophomore hasn’t faced a defense of this caliber yet, and these two can create a headache for the QB. If the Ducks continue using the run game effectively, Campbell and Rojas will help limit the home runs. This season, Campbell has 22 total tackles and a sack. Rojas, on the other hand, has tallied 18 total tackles and 2 sacks.
While QB play is always important, it is even more so in games like this. Moore has garnered national attention from his play early this season, but has not faced elite competition. For many, this is the game that will decide how good Moore really is. If he can pull through and show he is legit, his stock will rise among not only Oregon fans but football fans in general. This season, Moore has thrown for 962 yards, 11 TDs and 1 INT. If the Ducks want the upset, they are going to need more out of Moore.
On defense, Bryce Boettcher will be key for the Ducks again. Penn State’s running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is stout. Boettcher will play a crucial role in ensuring they don’t advance to the next level. This year, Boettcher has totaled 27 tackles and 1 INT. A group effort is necessary with the defensive line. He must be ready to keep the Ducks hanging around.
This game has all the makings of a classic. Big names, big brands, and loud offenses. Going to Happy Valley is a difficult task any year. Factoring in the whiteout game and how good Penn State actually is, this one could be difficult for the Ducks.
Winner: Penn State
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