Penn State’s Abdul Carter, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, has been a menace around the edge this season, racking up career-highs with 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Oregon’s offense is well aware of the threat he presents on the defensive line.

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks capped an undefeated regular season with a thrashing of rival Washington on Saturday. Next up? A Big Ten championship game tilt with Penn State. Some in the sports media sphere think Oregon would benefit from a loss in this game to ease their hypothetical path in the College Football Playoff.

Breaking down our College Football Playoff projections and where Penn State stands entering the Big Ten title game vs. Oregon.

Why does Penn State get to compete in the Big Ten championship over Indiana after they lost to Ohio on Nov. 2? It's complicated.