Can Penn State Pull Off a Big Ten Championship Upset?
Indianapolis is buzzing with anticipation for Saturday night’s Big Ten Championship game, a showdown between the undefeated Oregon Ducks and the upstart Penn State Nittany Lions. While Oregon enters the match as a 3.5-point favorite, a former NFL star believes the Nittany Lions have a real shot at shocking the college football world.
Penn State secured their spot in the championship through a combination of their own grit and a little help from their rivals. A dominant home victory against Maryland in Week 14, paired with Michigan’s monumental upset of Ohio State, paved the way for the Nittany Lions’ first Big Ten championship appearance in eight years.
However, former NFL linebacker Brian Jones cautions the Ducks against complacency. During a recent appearance on “Inside College Football,” Jones emphasized the importance of Penn State’s defensive strategy: "If they can get Oregon consistently in 3rd & long, they can pin their ears and they’re gonna get to Dillon Gabriel."
Jones goes further, boldly predicting a Penn State upset hinges on the performance of two key players. "I’m going with the Nittany Lions," he declares. He believes tight end Tyler Warren and linebacker Abdul Carter hold the keys to victory.
Oregon enters the championship game riding an impressive undefeated season (12-0), boasting a roster packed with talent. Victories against powerhouses like Ohio State, Washington, Michigan, and Illinois highlight their dominance.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on CBS. This matchup marks the first time in conference history that the Big Ten championship features the top two ranked teams under the expanded format.
Will Oregon continue their march toward an undefeated season, or will Penn State deliver a stunning upset?
Brian Jones says Penn State can upset Oregon in the Big Ten Championship! 😱😬🤔 pic.twitter.com/mOAW9o7nKg
— CBS Sports CFB (@CBSSportsCFB) November 27, 2023
