Penn State’s White Out Environment was neutralized on Saturday, as No. 6 Oregon defeated the No. 3 Nittany Lions 30-24 in double overtime at Beaver Stadium.
James Franklin’s big game woes continued, as Penn State could not complete its furious fourth-quarter comeback, in which the Nittany Lions erased a 17-3 fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime. Franklin fell to 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents in his career.
Penn State and Oregon took a 3-3 stalemate into halftime, as both defenses held their opponents out of the end zone. The Nittany Lions and Ducks combined for only 258 yards across the game’s first two quarters.
The Ducks finally broke the tie late in the third quarter after quarterback Dante Moore connected with running back Dierre Hill Jr. for an eight-yard touchdown strike. Oregon added to its lead early in the fourth quarter thanks to an eight-yard touchdown run from running back Jordon Davison, placing Penn State into a 17-3 hole.
Penn State’s offense finally showed life on the ensuing possession, as Allar connected on all three of his pass attempts during the drive for 56 yards and capped off the drive with a 35-yard touchdown to Devonte Ross.
After a quick defensive stop, Penn State’s offense marched 62 yards in 15 plays while chewing up 6:37 of the clock to tie the game on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Allar to Ross with 30 seconds remaining in regulation, forcing overtime.
With the momentum on their side, Penn State found the end zone on its opening drive of the overtime period, as Kaytron Allen powered through the Oregon defense to take a 24-17 lead. Oregon responded in seven plays, converting on a crucial fourth-and-1 from the Penn State 5-yard line before scoring on a two-yard touchdown pass from Moore to Jamari Johnson.
In the second overtime, it took Oregon one play to recapture its lead, as Moore connected with Gary Bryant Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown; however, the Ducks' two-point conversion attempt failed.
Penn State’s possession lasted just one play too, but the Nittany Lions did not have the same fortune as the Ducks. Allar’s lone pass attempt of the frame was intercepted by Dillon Thieneman, securing the victory for Oregon.
Moore was terrific in the win, completing 29 of 39 pass attempts for 248 yards and three touchdowns while adding 35 yards on the ground.
