Penn State vs Michigan State Betting Odds - Nittany Lions to take battle of the land-grants
The Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds match up two teams that have fallen way short of expectations. Online betting fans saw the Nittany Lions blow the Big 10 when they allowed Ohio State to roll them at home, while Michigan State has never even been in the picture. Even so, the Lions have more on the line in this contest and they are the better team.
| Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds: Penn State -3 |
| WHAT: NCAA football betting |
| WHEN: Saturday, November 21st – 3:30 PM ET |
| WHERE: Spartan Stadium – East Lansing, MI |
| PICK: Penn State -3 |
Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Nittany Lions (9-2, 5-2) have nine wins on the year, which is nothing to be ashamed of, but they aren’t BCS-bound...yet. They still might be if they can win one more game - and hope a bunch of teams in front of them slip up. A better case to make is that they’re aiming for a good New Year’s Day bowl.
For Michigan State (6-5, 4-3), the words BCS never came up this year. They’ve won two straight to make themselves bowl-eligible, but NCAA football betting fans know they aren’t going to any special bowl. Nonetheless, a win here helps them improve their standing.
Betting Edge: Penn State
Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Nittany Lions seem to go as their running game goes. When their running game is working – as it was last week with 181 yards against Indiana – quarterback Darryl Clark makes smarter decisions and is far more effective. The good news is that the Lions should be able to run quite a bit this weekend.
For Michigan State, their story is the same. They had 158 rushing yards last week, but 70 of them came on one play. The Spartans didn’t look so hot running against one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten, and now they have to face one of the best. Being at home in a rivalry game should give this unit a boost, but this is still an even matchup.
Betting Edge: Even
Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Penn State defense has been stout all year but sportsbook odds makers know it hasn’t been as dominant as usual. The Lions have two home losses this year to Iowa and Ohio State, but otherwise they’ve been suffocating their opponents. The Nittany Lions have allowed just 9.2 points per game in their nine wins.
The Michigan State defense has been porous all season long. Last week, the Spartans allowed 524 yards on 14 conversions on third down. That was against Purdue. If they want to have any shot at winning this game, they’d better pull their socks up because the Nittany Lions play defense - and this game could get out of hand if only one of the two defenses shows up.
Betting Edge: Penn State
Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Senior linebacker Brandon Denson has a leg injury but may play this week. Also, quarterback Kirk Cousins tweaked his ankle late in the game, and while the injury isn’t serious, he won’t be 100%.
Betting Edge: Penn State
Penn State vs Michigan State betting odds breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This is a big rivalry game, but Penn State is the better team. Both teams will struggle to get much done on offense in the early stages, but Penn State will make more big plays in the second half.
TONY’S PICK: Penn State -3
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