If you were looking for the standard, grind-it-out Big Ten football experience on December 7, 2024, you probably walked away from your TV feeling a little disoriented. We didn't get a 10-3 punt-fest in the freezing rain. Instead, we got a 45-37 high-octane thriller in Indianapolis that felt more like a video game than a traditional Midwestern defensive struggle.
The big 10 championship game 2024 time was set for 8:00 p.m. ET, and by 8:15 p.m., it was clear the "old" Big Ten was officially dead.
With the conference expanding to 18 teams and ditching divisions, the stakes were higher than ever. It wasn't just about a trophy; it was about the top seed in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. Oregon came in as the undefeated heavyweight, while Penn State was trying to prove they finally belonged in the "elite" tier under James Franklin.
What Time Did the 2024 Big Ten Championship Kick Off?
For those who missed the live broadcast or are looking back at the schedule, the game kicked off at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT) on Saturday, December 7, 2024. It was the primetime crown jewel for CBS, which had recently taken over as a primary rights holder for the conference.
The atmosphere inside Lucas Oil Stadium was electric. Since there were no East or West divisions anymore, we actually got the two best teams in the conference facing off—No. 1 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State. In years past, we might have seen an undefeated powerhouse beat up on a four-loss team from a weaker division. Not this time.
The Oregon Dynasty Begins in its First Year
Honestly, it’s kinda wild when you think about it. Oregon joined the Big Ten and immediately ran the table. Dan Lanning didn't just bring a "flashy" West Coast offense to the league; he brought a physical, terrifyingly efficient roster that handled the Big Ten schedule like they’d been there for decades.
Dillon Gabriel was the story of the night. He threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns, looking every bit like the Heisman finalist he was. He found Kenyon Sadiq twice in the first half for scores, helping the teams combine for a record-breaking 55 points before the bands even hit the field for halftime.
But it wasn't just Gabriel.
- Tez Johnson went absolutely nuclear, catching 11 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. He was rightfully named the game's MVP.
- Jordan James provided the punch on the ground, rushing for 87 yards and two critical scores.
- Nikko Reed sealed the deal with a late interception that broke Penn State's heart.
Penn State’s "Almost" Moment
You've gotta feel for Nittany Lions fans. They’ve been told for years that they can’t win the "big one," and this game was a rollercoaster of hope and frustration. Drew Allar played his tail off, throwing for 236 yards and three touchdowns, but two massive interceptions proved to be the difference.
The turning point? A failed two-point conversion early in the fourth quarter. If they convert that, they’re down 38-32 with all the momentum. Instead, they stayed at 30, and Oregon responded with a soul-crushing 75-yard drive capped by a Jordan James touchdown.
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Penn State out-gained Oregon 518 to 466 total yards. They ran for nearly 300 yards. In almost any other era of Big Ten football, those stats equal a blowout win. But against this Oregon team, at that specific big 10 championship game 2024 time, it wasn't enough.
Why 2024 Was a Historic Shift
This game marked the end of an era. For the first time since 2020, the Michigan Wolverines weren't in the title game. The "Big Two" of Ohio State and Michigan were replaced by a newcomer and a Penn State squad that finally pushed through the glass ceiling of the old East Division.
The move to an 18-team league with no divisions meant every single regular-season game mattered. Ohio State missed out because of an upset loss to Michigan in the final week. Indiana, the surprise of the season, finished 11-1 but lost the tiebreaker to Penn State. The new format is brutal, but it makes the championship game feel like a true heavyweight bout.
Quick Stats from the 45-37 Shootout
- Total Points: 82 (A new Big Ten Championship record).
- Attendance: 67,469 fans packed into Indianapolis.
- First Downs: Penn State had 28, Oregon had 24.
- Turnovers: Penn State 2, Oregon 0.
How the 12-Team Playoff Changed the Vibe
Usually, the loser of this game would be heading to a consolation bowl game, their national title dreams crushed. But in 2024, the "loser" was almost guaranteed a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
Even though Penn State lost, they didn't fall off the map. They still finished 11-2 and headed into the postseason as a dangerous out. For Oregon, the win meant a first-round bye and the No. 1 overall seed. The stakes were high, but the "do-or-die" pressure of the old 4-team playoff was replaced by a battle for seeding and respect.
What to Watch for in 2025
If you’re already looking ahead, the 2025 Big Ten Championship is already scheduled for December 6, 2025. Expect the big 10 championship game 2024 time slot to stay consistent—8:00 p.m. ET is the sweet spot for television ratings.
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With USC, UCLA, and Washington now fully integrated, the competition is only going to get tougher. Can Oregon repeat? Will Ohio State reclaim the throne? Or will we see another newcomer like Nebraska or Iowa make a surprise run in the division-less era?
Basically, the 2024 game was a proof of concept. It proved that expansion works, that high scoring is the new normal, and that Saturday nights in December belong to the Big Ten.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Bookmark the Venue: Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium are the permanent home for this game through at least 2028. If you're planning a trip, book your hotels in the summer.
- Watch the Tiebreakers: With 18 teams and no divisions, the "strength of schedule" and "common opponents" tiebreakers are now the most important rules in the book. Keep a spreadsheet ready in November.
- Follow the Transfers: Oregon won because of a transfer QB (Gabriel). Penn State competed because of a revamped offense. In the modern Big Ten, the transfer portal is as important as traditional recruiting.
The 2024 championship wasn't just a game; it was a loud, 45-37 announcement that the West Coast has arrived in the Midwest, and they aren't planning on leaving any trophies behind.