Exclusive Data Reveals Potential Advantage as James Franklin Tries to Shake Big-Game Reputation

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In what promises to be a clash of titans, the Oregon Ducks travel across the country to Beaver Stadium to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in Week 5’s marquee matchup. This cross-country showdown between two elite programs represents the finest Big Ten action of the weekend as both teams look to make statements on the national stage.

This comprehensive Oregon vs. Penn State prediction provides complete coverage with the latest team information, historical head-to-head records, and exclusive PFSN player grades that reveal the key factors in this must-watch encounter.

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Oregon vs. Penn State Game Details

  • Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
  • Predicted weather at kick: 72 degrees, cloudy
  • How to watch: NBC

Oregon vs. Penn State Head-to-Head Record

Since 1960, these prestigious programs have encountered each other just five times, with three meetings occurring in postseason play. Penn State claimed the initial two contests in 1960 and 1963, while Oregon has captured two of the subsequent three matchups, including their victory in last season’s Big Ten Championship game.

Both programs rank among college football’s historical elite. Oregon’s .582 winning percentage places them 38th all-time, while Penn State’s impressive .691 winning percentage earns them ninth place in program history.

Together, these powerhouses have combined for 94 bowl appearances and produced 69 first-round NFL Draft selections. This exceptional pedigree ensures that Saturday’s matchup will showcase elite-level talent and demonstrate the tactical excellence that defines championship-caliber football programs competing at the sport’s highest level.

Oregon vs. Penn State Grades

Below are the PFSN team and positional grades for the highest-ranked players set to be featured in Oregon vs. Penn State.

PFSN College OFFi

  • Oregon (90.81, A-)
  • Penn State (92.5, A-)

PFSN College DEFi

  • Oregon (87.2, B+)
  • Penn State (N/A)

PFSN College OL

  • Oregon (91.09, A-)
  • Penn State (90.78, A-)

PFSN College QBi

  • Dante Moore, Oregon (85.2, B)
  • Drew Allar, Penn State (79.4, C+)

PFSN College RBi

  • Jayden Limar, Oregon (N/A)
  • Kaytron Allen, Penn State (82.43, B-)

PFSN College WRi

  • Dakorien Moore, Oregon (N/A)
  • Trebor Pena, Penn State (75.86, C)

PFSN College TEi

  • Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (82.96, B-)
  • Luke Reynolds, Penn State (82, B-)

PFSN College EDGEi

  • Matayo Uiagaleilei, Oregon (81.41, B-)
  • Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (89.1, B+)

PFSN College DTi

  • A’Mauri Washington, Oregon (72.04, C-)
  • Xavier Gilliam, Penn State (71.33, C-)

PFSN College LBi

  • Bryce Boettcher, Oregon (79.4, C+)
  • Amare Campbell, Penn State (77.93, C+)

PFSN College CBi

  • Sione Laulea, Oregon (85.24, B)
  • Daryus Dixson, Penn State (85.28, B)

PFSN College SAFi

  • Aaron Flowers, Oregon (80.09, B-)
  • King Mack, Penn State (80.07, B-)

Oregon vs. Penn State Prediction

Sixth-ranked Oregon is walking into a whiteout night at Beaver Stadium to take on third-ranked Penn State in the clear game of the week for week 5. With the Big Ten among the best conferences in football, the margin for error is extremely thin, and a loss in this game can cost either side a shot to play in the Big Ten championship game again.

Both teams are undefeated to this point, Oregon through four games and Penn State through three, but neither has really been tested. None of the games have been close, so it remains to be seen how both teams handle the pressure.

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Looking at all of the numbers and their ranks, these teams are about as even as possible. With Oregon winning the conference title last year, coach Dan Lanning can feel comfortable in his game plan and with how Dante Moore is executing the offense at this point.

But that doesn’t mean victory is guaranteed. Penn State looks lethal offensively, and the defense continues to shine even with the loss of Abdul Carter to the NFL. They have two stellar running backs and a veteran passer poised to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. James Franklin is a great coach, but he has had his struggles against ranked opponents, and I don’t think today will be the day that is resolved.

I genuinely think that Penn State is a quality team and will be in or near the College Football Playoff, but James Franklin has to prove to me that he can win a game like this before I put my confidence in him and the Nittany Lions to get it done. A win here could begin a championship trajectory for them, but I don’t see it happening against this Ducks team.

Prediction: Oregon 31, Penn State 27

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