Penn State cracked the top 25 in college football polls this year, but oddsmakers consider them a 50/1 long shot to win the 2009 BCS National Championship.
Of the key returning starters for Penn State this year, the Nittany Lions will return receivers Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood, while safety Anthony Scirrotto, defensive ends Josh Gaines and Maurice Evans return on defense. Sophomore linebacker Chris Colasanti also returns.
The odds on Penn State’s chances this year are consistent across the board at all the major online sports books. Oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog and SBG Global have made the Nittany Lions a 50/1 long shot to win the BCS National Championship this season, while Sportsbook.com lists them at 40/1.
Penn State is certainly a long shot to compete for a national title, but they do have one thing going for them – they play in the Big Ten. Outside of No. 3 Ohio State, no other team in the Big 10 poses a huge threat. The Nittany Lions had one of the best defenses against the run last year and if the offense can overachieve, maybe PSU becomes a potential sleeper candidate in 2008.
Penn State Nittany Lions 2009 BCS National Championship Odds to win
Bodog: 50/1
Sportsbook.com: 40/1
SBG Global: 50/1
Penn State Nittany Lions Big 10 Conference Odds to win
Bodog: 11/2
Sportsbook.com: 11/2
SBG Global: 11/2
Penn State Nittany Lions 2008 Season Win Over/Under Totals
Penn State Nittany Lions Over 8.5 Wins (-115)
Penn State Nittany Lions Under 8.5 Wins (-115)