The Oregon Ducks didn't have a perfect performance agains the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten Championship. However, Oregon's offense executed perfectly, especially Duck quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
In the conference title game, Gabriel completed nearly 69 percent of his pass attempts for a resounding 283 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air. He also ran for an additional 13 yards while leading the Oregon offense to a jaw-dropping 45 points against the Nittany Lions.
In Penn State's next matchup, the Nittany Lions faced the SMU Mustangs. To put it simply, Oregon's offense looked even more impressive after Penn State tore the Mustangs' offense to shreds in the first half of their College Football Playoff opener. Oregon fans let SMU fans hear it.
In the first half, Penn State picked off SMU's quarterback Kevin Jennings three times, including two pick-sixes, and sacked the sophomore QB for a turnover on downs, all while holding the Mustangs scoreless.
Not only was Jennings floundering against the Big Ten offense but SMU's other quarterback, Preston Stone had entered the transfer portal ahead of the game and his availability wasn't 100 percent certain. Despite being in the portal, Stone was reportedly dressed and available on the sidelines but SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee continued to stick with his starting QB.
Kevin Jennings' first half stats vs. Penn State
- 9/19 pass attempts
- 77 passing yards
- 0 touchdowns
- 3 interceptions
- 6 carries
- -3 rushing yards
The entire country was ripping into Jennings and the Mustangs by halftime as Penn State led SMU 28-0 after the two pick-sixes and singular offensive touchdowns by the Nittany Lions in the first half. The winner of the first-round matchup between PSU and SMU would face the No. 3-seed Boise State Broncos in the quarterfinals.
Oregon won't see CFP action until Jan. 1, 2025, when the Ducks take on either the Ohio State Buckeyes or Tennessee Volunteers at the Rose Bowl Game.