#1 Oregon Ducks vs. #3 Penn State Nittany Lions | WEEK 15 Full Game Highlights | Dec 7, 2024 | NCAAF TODAY

The 2024 College Football Playoff race heated up as the #1 Oregon Ducks faced off against the #3 Penn State Nittany Lions in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Both teams entered this Week 15 contest with a chance to solidify their playoff spot, but only one could walk away with the upper hand. With national championship implications on the line, the game delivered a thrilling atmosphere, top-tier performances, and a final score that will go down in history.

First Quarter: Ducks Strike First

The game began with a sense of urgency from both teams. Oregon, ranked #1 in the nation, wasted no time establishing their dominance. Led by Heisman contender Bo Nix, the Ducks quickly found a rhythm on offense. The opening drive featured a blend of precision passing and explosive runs from Bucky Irving. Oregon moved the ball methodically down the field, setting up a 5-yard touchdown run by Irving to give the Ducks an early 7-0 lead.

Penn State wasn’t rattled, though. On their first possession, Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions offense showcased their balance. Allar connected with KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a 30-yard gain and followed it up with a strong run by Nicholas Singleton, but Oregon’s defense, led by standout linebacker Noah Sewell, held strong in the red zone. Penn State had to settle for a 30-yard field goal from Alex Felkins, cutting the lead to 7-3.

Key Play: Oregon’s offense was efficient, mixing the run and pass, keeping Penn State’s defense on its heels.

Second Quarter: Penn State Fights Back

The second quarter featured an intense back-and-forth as both teams traded blows. Drew Allar continued to shine for Penn State, finding Parker Washington on a critical third-down conversion to keep their drive alive. The Nittany Lions capitalized on a 45-yard completion to Theo Johnson, which set them up at Oregon’s 10-yard line. On the next play, Kaytron Allen powered through for a 3-yard touchdown run, giving Penn State a 10-7 lead.

However, Oregon’s explosive offense quickly responded. Bo Nix led a rapid-fire drive, which featured a 50-yard bomb to Troy Franklin. Nix capped the drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak, and the Ducks regained the lead at 14-10. As halftime approached, James Williams nailed a 42-yard field goal for Oregon, pushing their advantage to 17-10.

Key Play: Nix’s 50-yard deep ball to Franklin was a momentum-shifting play, reminding everyone of Oregon’s big-play potential.

Third Quarter: Penn State’s Defense Steps Up

Coming out of the break, the intensity ramped up. Penn State’s defense, which had been shaky in the first half, returned to form. The Nittany Lions forced an early three-and-out, thanks to a timely sack by Abdul Carter and a forced incompletion from Ji’Ayir Brown. With possession of the ball, Drew Allar executed a brilliant drive, hitting KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Theo Johnson on crucial third-down conversions.

The drive was capped off by Nicholas Singleton, who took a handoff and broke through the Oregon defense for a 25-yard touchdown run, giving Penn State a 17-14 lead. The Nittany Lions had shifted the momentum entirely, and Oregon seemed to be on their heels.

Key Play: Singleton’s 25-yard touchdown run was a pivotal moment, showcasing his explosive ability to break free from defenders.

Fourth Quarter: Oregon’s Final Push

With the game on the line, Oregon didn’t back down. Bo Nix, with his calm demeanor, orchestrated a lengthy drive in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. The Ducks were methodical, relying heavily on Nix’s decision-making and Bucky Irving’s hard running. Oregon marched into Penn State’s red zone but was stymied by a ferocious goal-line stand from the Nittany Lions’ defense. On 4th-and-goal, Oregon went for it, but P.J. Mustipher and Abdul Carter stuffed Irving at the line, turning the ball over on downs.

With under five minutes left, Drew Allar and Penn State’s offense went into clock-management mode. The Nittany Lions drained the clock, running the ball with Kaytron Allen and picking up crucial first downs. With Oregon out of timeouts, Allar was able to kneel the ball twice to secure the win.

Key Play: The 4th-and-goal stop by Penn State’s defense was the turning point in the game, keeping Oregon from taking the lead and setting up the Nittany Lions to close it out.

Final Score: Penn State 24, Oregon 17

Key Performers

Penn State Nittany Lions

Drew Allar (QB): 19-28, 230 yards, 1 touchdown.
Nicholas Singleton (RB): 85 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
Kaytron Allen (RB): 75 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
Abdul Carter (LB): 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
Ji’Ayir Brown (S): 1 interception, key pass breakup.

Oregon Ducks

Bo Nix (QB): 23-35, 280 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 rushing touchdown.
Bucky Irving (RB): 90 rushing yards.
Troy Franklin (WR): 6 receptions, 95 yards.
Noah Sewell (LB): 1 sack, 8 tackles.

Game Analysis

Turnovers and Defense: Penn State’s defense came up with timely stops, particularly in the second half. The key 4th-and-goal stop in the fourth quarter was crucial in keeping Oregon from retaking the lead. Oregon’s defense struggled to make stops in critical moments, particularly in the red zone.
Drew Allar’s Poise: Despite facing pressure, Drew Allar was able to manage the game effectively, making key throws and allowing his running backs to take some of the load off his shoulders.
Bo Nix’s Resilience: Nix fought hard and gave Oregon every chance to win, but Penn State’s defense rose to the occasion when needed most. Nix’s leadership kept the Ducks competitive, but they fell short in the final moments.
Red Zone Efficiency: Penn State capitalized in the red zone, scoring touchdowns when they had the chance, while Oregon had to settle for field goals and struggled to punch it in when they needed it most.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Penn State: With the win, Penn State solidified their spot in the College Football Playoff and will look to build on their momentum as they chase a national title. Their balanced offense and clutch defense have made them one of the most complete teams in the country.

Oregon: Although the Ducks came up short, their season isn’t over yet. They will still be a top contender for a major bowl game, and with Bo Nix at the helm, they remain one of the most dangerous teams in college football.

This thrilling matchup between the #1 Oregon Ducks and the #3 Penn State Nittany Lions was a battle of two powerhouse programs, each bringing their best to the field. In the end, it was Penn State’s defense and timely plays that made the difference, earning them a hard-fought 24-17 victory and a spot in the College Football Playoff.