Michigan State vs Penn State odds – PSU the heavy favorite
Online sports betting: Big Ten and Rose Bowl bid at stake
- WHO: Michigan State Spartans at Penn State Nittany Lions (-15.5)
- WHAT: NCAA football betting
- WHEN: Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Beaver Stadium in State College, PA
- KEY STATS: The total has gone over in six of Michigan State's last even road games
- PICK: Penn State
Michigan State vs Penn State betting has more on the line this weekend than just dollar amounts from online sportsbook customers. Both the Big Ten championship and a spot in the Rose Bowl will be decided based on its outcome. If Penn State manages to win at home, it will take the conference title and be making a trip to Pasadena.
Michigan State can do the same, but it needs Michigan to defy NCAA football odds and upset Ohio State as well. In addition, Ohio State can sweep up the hardware with a victory; however, the Spartans would have to topple the Nittany Lions too.
The Nittany Lions are favored on Michigan State vs Penn State odds, however this is more of a consolation game for them. Joe Paterno’s squad had National Championship hopes, but saw them slip away in a crushing 24-23 loss at Iowa two weeks ago. It was only the second time that Penn State had allowed more than 17 points all season long, but it proved to be infinitely costly.
Penn State came out looking sluggish in the first half against Indiana last week, as if the Iowa City upset was still fresh in its players’ minds. However, the Nittany Lions recovered and walloped the Hoosiers 24-0 in the second half, leading to a 34-7 victory. Quarterback Darryl Clark really spread the ball around, going 20-for-36, while running back Derrick Williams hit pay dirt twice in the triumph.
The Spartans will be looking to prove the Michigan State vs Penn State line is wrong and catch the Nittany Lions off-guard on Saturday. However, many NCAA football betting sharps are suggesting that if Michigan State weren’t in the Big Ten, it wouldn’t be considered for the BCS Series whatsoever. While the Spartans are 9-2, they have struggled with lower-tier Big Ten competition, such as Wisconsin and Iowa, and have only played one currently nationally ranked opponent this season—Ohio State.
In order to even cover the Michigan State vs Penn State spread, the Spartans will need to diversify their offense and get away from a virtually all-rushing attack. Halfback Javon Ringer has been in the end zone 20 times this season, however quarterback Brian Hover has thrown just nine touchdowns, and six interceptions.
BLAKE’S PICK: While the Nittany Lions may have looked dejected last week, they will most certainly be inspired by their 81-year old coach, who was miraculously led them to major bowl game contention once again. National Championship or not—this has been a magical season.
When evaluating Michigan State vs Penn State odds, one has to consider just how methodical the Michigan State offense is. It will have a tough time dealing with the mobile linebacker corps of Penn State. Fifteen and a half points doesn’t seem too high at all. When making your Michigan State vs Penn State pick, bet on the Nittany Lions.
For more information on NCAA football odds and Michigan State vs Penn State odds, visit the betonline.com internet sportsbook.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions?.
