Indianapolis, IN—–The 2024 Discover Big Ten Championship unfolded in Indianapolis for the 14th consecutive year, showcasing a marquee matchup between the top-ranked Oregon Ducks and the third-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. At stake was not only the conference title but also a coveted first-round bye in the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoffs starting next week. Though the teams had only met four times prior, with Penn State leading the series 3-1, Oregon flipped the script in a dramatic 45-37 victory to claim their first Big Ten Championship in their inaugural season with the conference.
First Half: A Frenzy of Scoring
Penn State won the coin toss and opted to defer, setting the stage for Oregon’s explosive start. The Ducks opened the game with a balanced offensive attack, marching 69 yards in nine plays. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel went three-for-three on the drive, capping it with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon Sadiq for an early 7-0 lead.
Penn State answered with a steady 59-yard drive but settled for a 33-yard field goal by Ryan Barker, trimming the deficit to 7-3. Oregon quickly regained momentum with an 84-yard drive, highlighted by a 26-yard run from Noah Whittington and another touchdown pass from Gabriel to Sadiq, extending the lead to 14-3.
The Nittany Lions responded with a touchdown drive of their own. Quarterback Drew Allar connected with Tyler Warren and Harrison Wallace on key plays before hitting Warren for a 22-yard score, narrowing the gap to 14-10. However, Oregon’s relentless offense struck back, as Gabriel found Terrance Ferguson for his third touchdown pass of the half, making it 21-10.
Penn State’s next possession ended disastrously when Allar’s pass was intercepted by Dantae Manning, who returned it to the 1-yard line. Oregon capitalized immediately with Jordan James punching it in, widening the lead to 28-10. Refusing to back down, the Nittany Lions answered with a quick 75-yard drive, culminating in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Allar to Omari Evans, cutting the lead to 28-17.
The Lions’ defense then forced Oregon’s first three-and-out, providing their offense with another chance. Drew Allar led a methodical 64-yard drive, finishing it with a 7-yard rushing touchdown to pull within 28-24. Oregon managed to tack on a 32-yard field goal before halftime, bringing the score to 31-24. The combined 55 points set a Big Ten Championship record for the most scored in a single half.
Second Half: Oregon Seals the Deal
Penn State opened the second half with a promising drive but missed a crucial 40-yard field goal attempt. Oregon capitalized immediately, as Gabriel connected with Tez Johnson for a 48-yard touchdown, his fourth of the game, to extend the lead to 38-24.
Penn State refused to go quietly, orchestrating a 97-yard drive early in the fourth quarter. Kaytron Allen’s 1-yard rushing touchdown made it 38-30, though the Nittany Lions failed on a two-point conversion attempt. Oregon countered with a clock-chewing 12-play drive that ended with Jordan James’ second rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 45-30.
The Nittany Lions kept fighting. Drew Allar threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a 14-yard strike to Harrison Wallace III, bringing the score to 45-37 with under four minutes remaining. Penn State’s defense delivered another stop, giving their offense one last chance. However, Allar’s second interception of the game, this time by Nikko Reed, sealed the victory for Oregon.
Historic Victory for Oregon
The Ducks celebrated a 45-37 triumph, earning their first Big Ten Championship in their inaugural season in the conference. Dillon Gabriel was the star of the night, throwing for four touchdowns and guiding Oregon’s offense with precision and poise. Despite the loss, Drew Allar’s gutsy performance and Penn State’s resilience underscored their championship-caliber talent.
With the win, Oregon secures a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs, solidifying their place among the elite teams vying for the national title.
