Can the seemingly unstoppable Oregon Ducks finally meet their match? With the Big Ten Championship on the line, Dan Lanning’s undefeated Oregon squad squares off against James Franklin’s gritty Penn State Nittany Lions in what promises to be a heavyweight showdown at home of Indiana Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium. What could possible derail Oregon’s perfect run? According to one inside, the deciding factor might just expose the Ducks’ only weakness. Let’s dive into the showdown set to shake the college football world.

Recently, On December 5th, former NFL linebacker-turned-analyst David Pollack dropped a bombshell on his YouTube Live podcast, breaking down why Penn State might shock the world. ” I think when you look at….. matchup versus Penn State…..only place where Oregon is not dynamic, not elite of elite….they’re elite receiver… they’re elite at tight end. I think they’re elite at quarterback. The only place they’re not elite at…. offensive line. And Penn State’s biggest strength is…. their defensive line.” Pollack’s breakdown paints a clear picture—Penn State’s defensive line could be the ultimate equalizer. If they exploit Oregon’s weakness up front quick and fast, an upset might just be in the cards for James Franklin and Nittany Lions. But easier said than done.

David Pollack then continued his take, “So if Penn State’s strength can continue to be a strength and really show up big and get TFLs [tackle for losses] and get sacks and pressure [Dillon] Gabriel and stop [Jordan] James from running the football. I think you know that they can win this football game.” Pollack’s point hits home—Penn State’s defense needs to dominate, plain and simple. If they can rattle Gabriel and shut down James, this game swings in their favor.

Oregon Ducks offense vs. Penn State defense: who wins the battle?

This is a clash of titans, y’all. Oregon’s offense steamrolled every defense they faced. You got Dillon Gabriel dropping dimes all over the field like he’s santa in December. Jordan James is chewing up yards on the ground. And Duck’s offensive line has allowed ranking tied for 13th in fewest sacks, allowing only 12. And ranked  5th in fewest tackles for loss allowed (43). Guess what? their O-line improved now. In their last 10 games, the mighty Ducks have allowed just five 5 sacks. With first-team All-Big Ten selections like Josh Conerly Jr. and Iapani Laloulu holding it down, Gabriel has had a clean pocket to do his thing. But here’s the plot twist—Penn State’s defense might have other plans.

Penn State’s D-line has been on a tear lately, racking up 14.5 sacks and over 20 tackles for loss in their last four games. Penn State got the top 5 defense in the nation. The Big-10 defensive player of the year, Abdul Carter, is the crown of jewel of this defense unit, tallying 10 sacks. If Carter and his crew can replicate that chaos, Gabriel’s pocket presence will be put to the test like never before. Sure, Gabriel’s got the mobility to escape, but facing constant pressure is no joke, especially in the Big 10 title game environment.

This game will come down to who dominates the trenches. Oregon’s offense has the firepower enough to burn any defense in the country. But Penn State’s defensive line has proven a track record of creating havoc. If the Nittany Lions can impose their will and exploit Oregon’s one vulnerability. They might shock the Ducks and jeopardize their playoff rankings. The stakes are high as Indiana Sky. Get ready for a thriller in Indianapolis.