Two of the nation’s premier programs collide under the lights in Happy Valley this Saturday, as No. 6 Oregon travels to No. 3 Penn State for the Nittany Lions’ annual “White Out” — widely regarded as one of the most electric environments in college football.

This is far from an ordinary non-conference matchup, as it’s a rematch of last year’s Big Ten Championship Game, where Oregon edged Penn State 45-37 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. But Beaver Stadium is a different beast entirely, especially when over 100,000 white-clad fans pack the stands in primetime.

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Let’s break down the key matchup and betting action — along with offer a best bet — for what could be the most compelling showdown of the college football season so far.

No. 6 Oregon at No. 3 Penn State (-3.5, 51.5)

Bookmaker quote from Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata: “Penn State currently -3.5 with a total of 51.5. This is one where I think personally that 3.5 points is a little much. I would take the 3.5 with Oregon. This is one of the few games on Penn State’s schedule that is a potential trip-up spot for Nittany Lions. Oregon’s going to be one of maybe two challenges for them this year. Early going, we’ve gotten some Oregon money at +3.5, but I think is going to toggle between 3 and 3.5 until gameday.”

Positional comparison

Quarterbacks

Statistically, Oregon QB Dante Moore comes into this matchup with a flashier resume, but don’t let the numbers fool you: Penn State’s Drew Allar is the more complete quarterback.

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Allar hasn’t had to do much against the Nittany Lions’ soft early schedule, with just six explosive pass plays all season. Still, his track record in high-pressure situations gives Penn State the edge. Moore, meanwhile, has impressed after throwing just eight passes last season, but it remains to be seen how he’ll handle elite defensive pressure in a hostile environment.

Advantage: Penn State

Skill positions

Oregon is averaging a staggering 523 yards per game this season, nearly 100 more than Penn State, and the Ducks are doing it with balance. Both the rushing and passing attacks are firing on all cylinders, making Oregon one of the most versatile offensive teams in the country. While neither team has faced a true test yet, the Ducks’ consistent ability to generate explosive plays through talent and scheme gives them the edge at the skill positions.

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Advantage: Oregon

Offensive line

The trenches are where games are won — and Penn State showed it has the pieces to control the line of scrimmage in last year’s Big Ten Championship Game, rushing for 300 yards against the Ducks. While the Nittany Lions didn’t come away with the win, it demonstrated their ability to dominate in the trenches. Most of that physical, experienced line returns this season, whereas Oregon fields three transfer starters up front who haven’t yet been tested against elite competition. Penn State’s line should allow them to establish the run game and protect Allar effectively.

Advantage: Penn State

Defensive line

Oregon’s loss of star lineman Derrick Harmon to the NFL is significant, but the Ducks return solid contributors capable of generating pressure. Still, against Penn State’s offensive line, that may not be enough. The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, boast one of the nation’s top pressure rates, though they haven’t yet faced a quarterback like Moore this season. Both defensive fronts have promise, but this matchup is too close to call.

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Advantage: None

[Check out all of Yahoo’s sports betting content here in our new betting hub]

Secondary

This game could come down to how each secondary handles the moment. Last year, Drew Allar passed for 295 yards in the Big Ten Championship Game, but his two interceptions proved costly. Both secondaries have talent but lack a true standout heading into this matchup. While there’s no clear advantage, the unit that rises to the occasion could ultimately swing the outcome.

Advantage: None

X-Factor: Coaching

Here’s the stat that haunts Happy Valley: James Franklin is 4-20 against top-10 opponents as Penn State’s head coach. Context matters — not all of those games were close — but it’s still a glaring stat. Oregon’s Dan Lanning, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as one of the most polished young coaches in the sport. In a high-leverage moment, you can trust Lanning to have his team ready.

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Advantage: Oregon

Best bet

Final projection: Penn State 26.6, Oregon 21.8

This is a must-win game for Penn State.

It’s the most intimidating environment Oregon will face all season: a cross-country trip, a prime-time night game, over 100,000 fans in a White Out and a Penn State team with a full week to prepare and revenge on its mind. The Nittany Lions need this win to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff conversation, and to counter the perception that Franklin can’t win the big one.

Expect a physical, emotional, and potentially season-defining victory for Penn State in front of its home crowd.

Bet: Penn State-Oregon Under 52.5