College football analyst Joel Klatt released his latest Top 10 rankings after a dramatic Week 5 slate, placing Oregon at No. 2 and Penn State at No. 9.
The shift followed a wild night in State College, where the Ducks survived a White Out atmosphere and handed James Franklin’s Nittany Lions another crushing loss in a marquee matchup.
Klatt praised Oregon’s poise and firepower, calling them a legitimate national title threat, while warning Penn State that its offensive system must adapt to quarterback Drew Allar's skill set.
The double-overtime contest showcased the intensity of both programs, capped by Oregon’s defense sealing the win in front of a restless Beaver Stadium crowd.
The Ducks remain unbeaten and in control of their Big Ten destiny, while Penn State faces more questions about whether it can finally break through against elite opponents.
Oregon rises, Penn State slips after White Out thriller
Klatt admitted he nearly pushed Oregon into the top spot following their 30-24 double-overtime win at Penn State.
“I was tempted to throw Oregon all the way up to No. 1 after that incredible, emotional win on Saturday, but they're going to be No. 2,” he said. “Earlier this year, I said that this is a team that could go and win the national championship. I still believe that.”
Klatt pointed to quarterback Dante Moore’s emergence, calling him a name that belongs on the Heisman shortlist, and praised a defense that limited Penn State’s physical rushing attack.
The matchup lived up to the White Out setting. The game was knotted at 3-3 for much of the night before Oregon jumped ahead 17-3. Penn State responded late as Allar connected twice with Devonte Ross to force overtime.
Beaver Stadium shook when the Nittany Lions tied the contest, but Oregon delivered the knockout blows. In the second overtime, Moore found Gary Bryant Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown.
On the next snap, safety Dillon Thieneman intercepted Allar, closing the door on Penn State’s rally.
The victory kept Oregon perfect at 5-0 heading into a bye week and gave the Ducks their eighth win all-time against a top-three opponent. Penn State, meanwhile, fell to 0-21 under Franklin against top-10 competition. Klatt urged adjustments, saying,
“What I don't think is happening is the great marriage between the skill set of Drew Allar and the offense of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.”
He stressed the offense should lean into Allar’s strength with heavy play-action rather than short-area, run-pass options.
Oregon left Happy Valley undefeated and surging in the rankings. Penn State walked away with another high-profile setback, searching once again for answers.