The Oregon Ducks ended last season with a blowout loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. This year, they believe they’ve built another roster capable of returning to the College Football Playoff—and on Saturday, they showed they still have what it takes by taking down the Penn State Nittany Lions on the road.
“No. 6 Oregon walked into Happy Valley and pulled off a major upset against No. 3 Penn State, a 30-24 victory to launch itself to the forefront of the national title conversation. Safety Dillon Thieneman reeled in a ridiculous interception in double-overtime to pull a stunner,” CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah wrote.
The entire college football world took notice. Penn State entered overtime with all the momentum, but it was the Ducks who had the final word in a game full of late drama. ESPN’s Pat McAfee highlighted just how wild the night slate was.
“Alabama goes into Georgia and breaks a 33 home game winning streak.. AND Oregon goes into a NIGHT WHITEOUT in Happy Valley and STEALS A HUGE WIN. College football is the greatest,” McAfee posted.
While Alabama’s win over Georgia was massive, Oregon's victory in the whiteout environment may have been even more impressive. The Ducks proved they belonged with a gritty, hard-earned win—and head coach Dan Lanning wasn’t shy about soaking in the moment, even calling out Penn State’s vaunted home crowd.
“That crowd's probably worth seven points, and they really weren't tonight,” Lanning told the media.
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The crowd wasn’t a factor until late in the game, when the Nittany Lions finally clawed their way back into it. For most of the night, Oregon kept the Penn State faithful quiet.
The whiteout at Penn State is known as one of the loudest, most intimidating atmospheres in college football—but on Saturday night, Lanning and the Ducks silenced it. Oregon remains undefeated and will head into a bye week before facing another tough test against Indiana.