The 2024 Big Ten Championship Game, set for Dec. 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, features a matchup between No. 1 Oregon Ducks and No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions.
The contest marks the first season under the Big Ten’s no-division format; the game determines not only the Big Ten Conference champion but also key College Football Playoff implications.
Oregon, in its inaugural Big Ten season by way of the PAC-12, enters the contest as the nation’s only unbeaten college football program at 12-0, winning nine games in the conference.
The Ducks, led by head coach Dan Lanning, showcased a solid offense and disciplined defense throughout their schedule, securing decisive wins against major players like Ohio State.
“You come to Oregon to play in games and what we have created this season is really special,” Lanning said after the Ducks’ win against Washington on Nov. 30.
Lanning said he is excited to go to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game.
This will be Oregon’s first appearance in the Big Ten title game, as they aim to solidify their position as the No. 1 seed in the playoff standings.
On the other side of the matchup is Penn State. With an 11-1 record (8-1 in conference), the Nittany Lions earned its spot after a dominant regular season, highlighted by victories over Maryland and Michigan State.
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Head coach James Franklin’s team showcased a robust defense and balanced offensive attack throughout the season. This marks Penn State’s second trip to the Big Ten Championship, with the first coming in 2016.
The Nittany Lions aim to disrupt Oregon’s perfect season and secure a playoff berth.
Franklin said that he was aware of Penn State making the Big Ten Championship game moments before the start of the game against Maryland on Nov. 30.
“We knew, but I didn’t say anything to the team,” Franklin said. “I think a lot of people were aware of it, but I was trying to keep us focused. You have to control the things you can control. We needed to win and play well [against Maryland.]”
This game also comes at a pivotal moment in Big Ten history. Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the championship since its inception in 2011. However, the game moves to other locations starting in 2026.
Franklin said he was emotional during the game against Maryland, thanking the hard work the seniors contributed throughout their final season and saying a Big Ten Championship Game appearance is a bonus.
“The opportunity to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten Championship game is pretty cool,” Franklin said. “That is just a cherry on top.”
The Big Ten Championship kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. This year’s matchup anticipates significant attention as one of the final editions in Indianapolis.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral.
