The number three-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the number six-ranked Oregon Ducks for the classic Penn State Whiteout this Saturday.

There are a lot of expectations for the Nittany Lions this weekend. This game is a rematch of the 2024 BIG 10 college football final from this past season. Oregon took down the Lions this past December, 45-37.

It is being argued on social media that this game is crucial to Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin, and his career. 

Penn State is coming off a bye week. The first three weeks of the season were a breeze for the team, with three wins and outscoring their opponents 132-17. The first three teams on their schedule were Nevada, FIU, and Villanova. Oregon will be the first conference and ranked opponent that the team will take on this season. 

The Ducks are arriving in Happy Valley with a 4-0 start to their season.  Oregon is coming in with great confidence after a dominating 41-7 win against Oregon State last weekend.

According to ESPN analytics, this game will be the closest whiteout in recent history. Over the past few years, Penn State has been able to manhandle their opponents on the historic night, but this year they currently have just a 51.1% chance to win. This game can go either way, and we either leave State College in great confidence going into the second half of the season, or a big cloud of disappointment over the town for weeks to come.

“I really hope Penn State wins this weekend. I will be there and I’m feeling nervous myself,” said Lower Dauphin senior Liv Mahler.

“I’m a Penn State fan, but Oregon is a great team. It’s going to be a good game,” said sophomore Cayden Brassell. 

More than 107,000 people are expected to be in attendance for this game, with many more watching throughout the country. 

ESPN’s College Gameday panel will be on the lawn of Old Main, with students and fans rallying together starting at just 6:30 am. The guest picker for the crew is Lavar Arrington, a Hall of Fame linebacker who played in the blue and white from 1997-1999.

Kickoff is at 7:30 pm and will be televised on NBC and Peacock.