Indiana vs. Penn State Pick
Can No. 4 Penn State keep rolling along when the Nittany Lions play host to Indiana later today at 3:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Penn State is the clear favorite on Saturday, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -18.5 points against the Hoosiers. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 63 points. Penn State has won three straight over Indiana, going 2-0-1 against the spread in those three games. Today’s game takes place from Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. The game will air live on the Big Ten Network.
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Penn State is 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in the Big Ten following a 21-19 win at Iowa last week. The Nittany Lions are 2-1-1 against the spread in the four games, going 2-0-1 ATS at home. Penn State has been great on both sides of the ball this season. The defense is allowing just 8.3 points and 273.5 yards per game. Their pass defense is allowing only 158.5 yards per contest. Offensively, PSU is putting up 40.5 points and 496.5 yards per game. Saquon Barkley has run for 518 yards and four touchdowns to lead the team while also catching 23 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. Trace McSorley has thrown for 1,037 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 198 yards and two scores.
Indiana is 2-1 this season, but the Hoosiers have won their last two since a loss to Ohio State in the opener. The Hoosiers are 2-1 against the spread, covering the spread in both wins as a favorite. Indiana is putting up 35.7 points and 404 yards per game this season. Richard Lagow has thrown for 564 yards and four touchdowns, but he is dealing with a leg injury and is questionable to play today. Peyton Ramsey has 238 passing yards with three touchdowns while also rushing for 64 yards and a score. Morgan Ellison is the leading rusher with 257 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Indiana is allowing 27.7 points and 428.3 yards per game. The Hoosiers have struggled to stop the run, allowing 196.3 yards per game on the ground.
Penn State was tested last week, but it was a road night game against a physical Iowa team. Indiana is not known for its physicality. Penn State has been very good at home over the last year, going 7-0-2 against the spread in their last nine at home. They also are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 Big Ten contests. I expect the defense to hold Indiana in check while running the ball down the Hoosiers’ throats on offense.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: PENN STATE -18.5