College Football Predictions: Will Penn State cover vs. Michigan State?
Will No. 7 Penn State rebound from its tough loss last week when it goes on the road to face No. 24 Michigan State this afternoon at Noon ET? Here’s our College Football Predictions for this game.
ODDS
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Penn State is favored on the road, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -10 points against Michigan State. The over/under total has been set at 47.5 points. Michigan State has won three of the last four meetings and the Spartans have covered the spread in those three victories. The public is currently putting 75 percent of the wagers on Penn State in this game. Today’s contest takes place from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan and will air live on FOX.
PENN STATE
Penn State is coming off a 39-38 loss at Ohio State last week in which it blew a double-digit lead over the final few minutes of play. The Nittany Lions are now 7-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Big Ten. Penn State is 6-1-1 against the spread this season, only failing to cover in a win at Iowa. The PSU defense has been dominant for the most part, allowing just 13.3 points and 313.6 yards per contest. On offense, PSU is very dynamic. The Nittany Lions average 39.8 points and 440.8 yards per game. Saquon Barkley has been a huge force, as he has run for 801 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 471 yards and three scores. He also has returned two kickoffs for scores. Quarterback Trace McSorley has thrown for 2,071 yards and 16 touchdowns to also provide a great passing option for the Nittany Lions.
MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State is coming off a 39-31 triple OT loss to Northwestern on the road last week to fall to 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 5-3 against the spread this season, covering in four of their five home games. MSU has had to heavily rely on its defense this year. The unit is allowing just 19.6 points and 283.4 yards per game. Offensively, Michigan State is putting up 23.8 points and 393.6 yards per contest. Brian Lewerke has thrown for 1,807 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 343 yards and three scores. LJ Scott has 511 rushing yards and four touchdowns while Felton Davis III has 33 receptions for 405 yards and seven touchdowns.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS
Penn State should be ready to erase last weekend’s loss from its memory. PSU had the win and let it get away late. Now it faces a Michigan State team that doesn’t offer much offense to deal with. Penn State could struggle with the MSU defense, but I think the Nittany Lions’ talent wins out. Penn State has covered in six of its last seven road games and in 12 of its last 16 Big Ten contests.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS: PENN STATE -10
