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Betting Line: Oregon -3.5

Sometimes history repeats itself and Penn State is hoping that happens Saturday. Thew Nittany Lions and Oregon are facing off for the first time since the 1995 Rose Bowl, the capstone in the team’s historic 12-0 season. The Nittany Lions have celebrated the 30th anniversary of that squad this year, apropos given the most recent stakes.

Yes it’s cliche, but this game will be won and loss in the trenches. Penn State and Oregon each feature two of the best pass rushes in college football. On one side, Penn State has the Big Ten defensive player of the year, Abdul Carter. On the other side, Oregon has the conference most productive pass rush, with a Big Ten best 39 sacks. The Ducks have three all-conference defensive linemen, including conference sacks leader Matayo Uiagalelei.

Yes, this is a legacy game for head coach James Franklin. College football knows his struggles under the brightest lights, but a second Big Ten championship would go a long way towards tumbling the narrative around him. Franklin is 3-18 against top-10 programs, including a disappointing 20-13 loss against Ohio State in November. In his third season, James Franklin lifted the Stagg trophy, a moment that was to change the program, he has a second opportunity Saturday.