When Dillon Gabriel decided to transfer to Oregon State, he felt like he was a “perfect” match, and Saturday night his instincts were proven correct.
Despite a huge effort from No. 3 Penn State, the No. 1 Ducks remained undefeated, winning the Big Ten 45-37.
The Ducks led by 18 points in the first half and scored touchdowns on four of their first five possessions. Penn State gradually closed within four points, but after regaining a 14-point lead midway through the third quarter, Oregon appeared to be leading 38-24.
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Oregon Ducks No. 20 Jordan James 20 and Marcus Harper II at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 7, 2024 No. 55 celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Football Championship Game. (Aaron Thornton/Getty Images)
The Nittany Lions weren’t dead yet, though, as Kaytron Allen rushed for 32 and 26 yards, finishing with a 1-yard gain. However, James Franklin chose to be aggressive and go for two, but their Philadelphia special was not a success.
Oregon’s offense then went on its usual 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Jordan James’ second touchdown to take a 45-30 lead with 7:28 left.
But Penn State was still alive — on fourth-and-10, Drew Allar narrowly escaped a sack and quickly drove a ball into the end zone to make the score Eight runs — then, they forced a three-and-out. But Alar went deep into the backfield and he was substituted. With Penn State’s timeout expired, Oregon took the lead and secured the championship.
Kenyon Sadiq No. 18 of the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the 2024 Big Ten Football Championship game against Penn State at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana The Nittany Lions react after a touchdown during the game. (Aaron Thornton/Getty Images)
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Tez Johnson had a stellar performance, setting a Big Ten championship record with 11 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown. Dillon Dabriel completed 22 of 32 passes for 283 yards and four scores.
Oregon State will likely be the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and despite the loss, Penn State certainly qualifies to host a game in the first round. They will learn their fate early Sunday afternoon.
Oregon Ducks’ No. 8 Dontae Manning celebrates during the second quarter of the 2024 Big Ten Football Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Interception by Penn State Nittany Lions. (Justin Castlin/Getty Images)
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As for the Ducks, this is their first conference title since winning the Pac-12 title in 2020, and now they are ready to enter the season for the first time since 2014, the year the postseason was born. Postgame.
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