Staff picks for Penn State vs. Oregon in Week 5

Sam: Oregon 27, Penn State 24

Penn State player of the game: Dani Dennis-Sutton

I hate to pick against Penn State during a White Out, but after watching the non-conference games, I’m not convinced this offense is going to be good enough to defeat one of the best teams in college football. Oregon has looked fantastic on both sides of the football against better competition, especially quarterback Dante Moore. Yes, Penn State’s defense is excellent, but I don’t think they can stop the Ducks for a full 60 minutes. This game comes to down to Penn State’s offense vs. Oregon’s defense, which is very good in its own right, and will get the job done in a close one. I’m thinking a 27-24 type of scoreline.

Christopher: Penn State 31, Oregon 27

Offensive Player of the Game: Drew Allar

Defensive Player of the Game: Dani Dennis-Sutton

The White Out game is finally upon us, and with it come some great storylines. The Nittany Lions will be looking to seek revenge at home against a new-look Oregon squad that is among the most efficient teams in the country. Dante Moore comes in ranking fourth in completion percentage and fifth in passing touchdowns. The defense is top 10 in the nation in both scoring and points allowed per game. And yet, they haven’t played in such a hostile environment against a team not only fresh off a bye, but hungry for revenge. Drew Allar will be looking to make his Big Ten title performance a distant memory and will come out guns blazing, spreading the ball around to all his different weapons. The defense, while challenged, will make timely plays and wear down this Oregon offensive machine. It might not be pretty at times, but I expect the Nittany Lions to pull it off in the end, with Allar’s most impressive performance of the season to date.

Andrew: Penn State 28, Oregon 20

Offensive player of the game: Kaytron Allen

Defensive player of the game: Zakee Wheatley

One of the biggest whiteouts in recent history sees two top-10 teams battle in Happy Valley. As much preparation as a team can do, it’s not enough to replicate what the crowd is going to be like on Saturday evening. The Nittany Lions lead throughout the game, but the game remains close, and a late stop in the fourth quarter ends any chance for Oregon to tie the game. Penn State gets its big game win and is in a prime position for a top 4 spot in the College Football Playoff.

Kevin:Oregon 33, Penn State 31

Offensive player of the game: Drew Allar

Defensive player of the week: Zane Durant

I have a vision for how this game is going to play out, and it will be every bit as frustrating and tense as my final score prediction may suggest. I think Penn State gets the early lead with an early touchdown drive that brings the crowd to a roar, but Orgeon answers and takes a lead into halftime. The two teams then go back and forth for the majority of the second half as Drew Allar connects with his receivers and provides much-needed optimism after the last few games, but the speed of ORegon strikes in a critical moment with a fourth-quarter touchdown to take the lead, and Penn State’s offense can’t come up with a drive to get into posiotion for a shot at a game-winning field goal.

I hope to be wrong, but I think Penn State takes its first (only?) loss of the season.

Tolu: Penn State 31, Oregon 27

This one’s going to be electric. White Out, playoff vibes, and a chance for Drew Allar to really flip the national conversation. I think Penn State’s defense will step up late and make just enough stops. Allar plays clean, Kaytron Allen wears them down, and the Beaver Stadium crowd rattles Dante Moore into a couple of key mistakes. It’ll be a fight, but this is one James Franklin and company need, and I think they’re ready.