In a highly anticipated college football showdown, the No. 3 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions are set to host the No. 6 Oregon Ducks. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling rematch of last season’s Big Ten championship.
This game isn’t just about two top-ranked teams. It’s also a head-to-head battle between two of the most exciting quarterback prospects in the country: Penn State’s Drew Allar and Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Both are considered potential No. 1 overall picks in the NFL draft. Still, there’s just a bit more buzz around Allar, who’s been making headlines both on and off the field lately.
Allar vs. Moore: A Clash of Quarterback Titans
As the Nittany Lions and Ducks prepare for their marquee matchup, all eyes are on the quarterbacks. Drew Allar and Dante Moore aren’t just fighting for a win—they’re fighting for the title of top quarterback prospect in college football.
Drew Allar: The Hype and the Earnings
Drew Allar, a 21-year-old quarterback from Medina, Ohio, has been surrounded by plenty of hype. He’s performed well on the field, but it’s his off-field earnings that really make him stand out.
According to the NIL valuation site On3, Allar is the 10th-highest paid player in college football. His NIL valuation sits at $2.8 million, and it’s probably climbed even higher after his recent endorsement deal with Venmo.
Just two days before the big game against Oregon, Allar announced he’d be endorsing Venmo’s Penn State-branded debit card. That’s a pretty big move.
Allar said about his NIL earnings: *I use my NIL earnings to support my team, give back to youth sports programs, and stay connected off the field during my senior year.* These endorsements boost his finances and his overall marketability, making him a player everyone wants to watch.
Dante Moore: The Underdog with Exceptional Talent
Across the field, Dante Moore has led the Oregon Ducks to an undefeated start this season. Despite his strong play, Moore’s NIL earnings are much lower than Allar’s—around $640,000, which actually puts him sixth on his own team.
Moore endorses Beats by Dre headphones as part of their *Beats Elite* group of college athletes. He might not have Allar’s financial pull, but his talent is tough to ignore.
Quarterback trainer Quincy Avery, featured in the Hulu documentary *The Quincy Avery Effect*, has called Moore the best quarterback in college football. Avery even compares Moore’s style to Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love, praising his smoothness and efficiency. That’s some high praise.
The Numbers Game: Performance Metrics
Looking at the numbers, Drew Allar has faced criticism for his accuracy. He’s thrown just four touchdown passes and has a 64.8 percent completion rate through three games this season.
Quincy Avery hasn’t been shy about pointing out Allar’s struggles, especially with his accuracy. It’s a real concern heading into this matchup.
Dante Moore, meanwhile, gets a lot of credit for his efficiency and smooth style. Avery’s endorsement of Moore as the best quarterback in college football says a lot, even if the stats aren’t all spelled out here.
NIL Valuations: Marketability vs. Performance
NIL valuations are a huge part of college football now, reflecting not just performance but also marketability. Allar’s higher NIL number shows he’s got broader appeal, especially with endorsements like Venmo.
Moore’s lower NIL valuation suggests he doesn’t have the same commercial clout, but his performance on the field is highly respected. It’s a weird dynamic—sometimes it feels like the numbers don’t quite match the talent.
NIL values aren’t only about what happens between the lines. Social media, branding, and personality all play a role, and you can see that in the gap between Allar and Moore’s earnings—even though their skills are both top-notch.
The Big Game: What to Expect
The Penn State Nittany Lions and Oregon Ducks kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, live on NBC and Peacock. It’s more than just a rematch of last year’s Big Ten championship—it’s a stage for two of college football’s brightest quarterback talents.
Keys to Victory
Penn State’s hopes rest on Allar improving his accuracy and maybe channeling some of that NIL momentum into a big performance. His new Venmo deal could give him a little extra confidence—hey, sometimes that stuff matters.
For Oregon, it’s all about Moore’s efficiency and leadership. He may not have the biggest endorsement deals, but his play speaks for itself. Quincy Avery’s praise only adds to the anticipation for what Moore might do on this big stage.
Conclusion
The Penn State vs. Oregon game isn’t just about who’s better on the field. It’s a chance to watch two quarterbacks with wildly different stories.
Drew Allar pulls in some serious NIL deals, making him a standout off the field. On the flip side, Dante Moore’s game speaks for itself, even if his financial profile doesn’t turn as many heads.
When these two meet, it’s not just a football game—it’s a snapshot of where college football is headed. Performance and marketability are starting to blend in ways that feel new, maybe even a little weird.
Want to dive deeper? Check out the full article on Heavy.com.
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