College Football Predictions: Will Ohio State cover 7 vs. Penn State
Will No. 6 Ohio State be able to pick up a statement win over No. 2 Penn State when the two teams collide later today at 3:30PM ET? Here’s our College Football Predictions for this Big Ten battle.
ODDS
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Ohio State is favored in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -7 points against Penn State. The over/under total for the game has been set at 57.5 points. Ohio State has won four of the last five meetings with Penn State but the Nittany Lions have covered the spread in two of the last three meetings. The public is currently putting 63 percent of the wagers on Penn State on the road. Today’s game takes place from Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio and will air live on FOX.
OHIO STATE
Ohio State is coming off a 56-14 win at Nebraska two weeks ago. The Buckeyes are now 6-1 on the season, 4-0 in the Big Ten and 4-3 against the spread. Ohio State is just 1-3 ATS at home. Ohio State has one of the top offenses in the country, posting 47.3 points and 577.3 yards per game. J.T. Barrett has thrown for 1,838 yards and 21 touchdowns while also rushing for 359 yards and five scores. J.K. Dobbins is adding 775 rushing yards and five touchdowns while Parris Campbell has 28 catches for 405 yards and two scores. Defensively, Ohio State is holding opponents to just 15.4 points and 305.3 yards per game.
PENN STATE
Penn State is coming off a big 42-13 win over Michigan at home last week to improve to 7-0 on the season and 4-0 in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions are 5-1-1 against the spread this year and 1-1 ATS on the road. Penn State also has one of the better defenses in the nation, as the Nittany Lions are allowing just 9.6 points and 282.9 yards per game this year. On offense, Penn State is averaging 40.0 points and 463.3 yards per contest. Saquon Barkley has run for 757 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 448 yards and three scores. Trace McSorley has thrown for 1,879 yards and 14 touchdowns and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 254 yards and seven scores.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS
I am really torn on this game because I like Penn State. However, that 21-19 showing at Ohio State causes some concern. Ohio State has looked good in recent weeks, but hasn’t really been tested by anyone since losing to Oklahoma at home. The Buckeyes will definitely be tested today. I think Penn State will force Barrett into becoming a pocket passer, which didn’t go well for him against the Sooners. Penn State could see an emotional letdown after the big win over Michigan. However, I think being a big underdog will provide them with plenty of motivation.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS: PENN STATE +7
