No. 1 Oregon faces No. 3 Penn State within the Big Ten championship sport on Saturday (5 p.m., CBS) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Oregonian/OregonDwell reached out to Penn State beat reporter Johnny McGonigal (@jmcgonigal9 on X) of PennDwell.com to pose 5 questions and get a prediction.
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1) Even with the loss to Ohio State, how has reaching the Big Ten Championship once more and undoubtedly being within the playoff modified how James Franklin and this system are seen among the many lots, if in any respect?
McGonigal: “The loss to Ohio State nonetheless stings in Happy Valley. How might it not, with Franklin’s document towards the Buckeyes and the truth that Heisman hopeful Tyler Warren didn’t contact the ball within the defining goal-to-go sequence within the fourth quarter? I don’t know if making the Big Ten championship and reaching the College Football Playoff has swayed Franklin detractors. Penn State, a group with CFP expectations coming into the season, gained the video games it was favored to win and backdoored its approach into the convention title sport with some assist from Michigan. Franklin and his Nittany Lions, rightly or wrongly, have been judged by many by what they do in large video games. Beating the No. 1 group within the nation would actually change how he and his program are seen, each regionally and nationally.”
2) How has Andy Kotelnicki’s offense made Drew Allar extra environment friendly?
McGonigal: “The reply to that’s what Kotelnicki has carried out on and off the sphere. In the preseason, Kotelnicki empowered Allar to have extra of a say within the offense, placing the naturally-quiet QB ready to turn into extra of a pacesetter. Former OC Mike Yurcich was tightly-wound to say the least, and that permeated all through the offense. Kotelnicki’s vibes, for the shortage of a greater phrase, helped tremendously.
“On the sphere, Kotelnicki’s scheme has been inventive, particularly compared to the largely uninspired system that received Yurcich fired final fall. The pre-snap shifts, motions and unbalanced appears have put defenses on their heels. That has helped guys (particularly Tyler Warren) get open — which has clearly helped Allar.”
Big Ten championship: No. 1 Oregon (12-0) vs. No. 3 Penn State (11-1)
- When: Saturday, Dec. 7
- Time: 5 p.m. PT
- Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
- TV channel: CBS
- Stream: You can watch this sport stay for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you have already got a cable supplier, use your login info to look at this sport on cbssports.com.
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3) If there’s a option to restrict Tyler Warren, what’s the only approach groups have carried out it?
McGonigal: “I look again on the Ohio State sport. Warren didn’t have a catch till the third quarter and completed with 4 receptions for 47 yards — 31 of which got here on a one-on-one heave within the fourth quarter when Penn State was determined. The Buckeyes did an incredible job of taking away the flat and intermediate throws with a disciplined zone. Linebacker Cody Simon and security Lathan Ransom had been distinctive. Other groups have tried what the Buckeyes applied and failed. That’s principally as a result of Ohio State had the athletes to match up.”
4) How has Tom Allen freed up Abdul Carter to be a constant menace?
McGonigal: “Abdul Carter has been devastatingly good because the offseason transition from linebacker to defensive finish. His distinctive mixture of energy, velocity and explosiveness has been on show since Week 1. But part of the rationale why he’s on such a tear — 10 tackles for loss in his final 5 video games — is he’s grown into the defensive finish place from a technical standpoint. He’s much more polished. Tom Allen and line of defense coach Deion Barnes have lots to do with that. Allen has additionally used Carter in several methods. He’s lined up on each the left and proper sides. He’s additionally taken snaps standing up within the field as a wild card on passing downs — much like how former Penn State nice Micah Parsons has been used within the NFL.”
5) How do you see it enjoying out and what’s your rating prediction?
McGonigal: “The largest query mark for Penn State coming into the season was the identical as final 12 months: the extensive receiver room. Outside of Warren, the Nittany Lions haven’t had anybody step up and turn into a real No. 1 wideout. Harrison Wallace III, Liam Clifford, Julian Fleming and Omari Evans have had their moments. But after a good sport, I might see myself writing in regards to the expertise hole at WR being the distinction. Oregon 31, Penn State 27.”
— James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup publication.
