Ohio State vs. Penn State Prediction
Can No. 4 Ohio State go on the road and pick up a win over No. 9 Penn State when the two meet up in the featured College Football game of Week 5 at 7:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
161 Ohio State at 162 Penn State
Saturday, September 29, 2018
7:30PM ET – Beaver Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Ohio State is the slight favorite on the road, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -3.5 points against Penn State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 69.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 68 percent going on Ohio State on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Penn State piling up offense
Penn State opened the season with a bit of a scare at home against Appalachian State. Since then, the Nittany Lions have won three straight, all by nearly 40 points or more. PSU is 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the Big Ten, 3-1 against the spread while hitting the over in all four games. Dating back to last year, Penn State has covered the spread in five of its last six.
PSU is putting up an impressive 55.5 points and 514.5 yards per game on offense this season. They have a strong rushing attack that is putting up 275 yards per game. Miles Sanders is the leading rusher with 495 yards and five touchdowns while quarterback Trace McSorley has run for 235 yards and six touchdowns. McSorley has also thrown for 763 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, Penn State is giving up 19.5 points and 345.8 yards per game, including just 173.3 passing yards per game.
Ohio State looking dominant
Ohio State is off to a 4-0 start with largely dominant performances in all four games. The Buckeyes are 1-0 in the Big Ten, 3-1 against the spread thus far and 2-2 with the over/under total. The Buckeyes have also covered the spread in five of their last six games.
Offensively, Ohio State is putting up 54.5 points and 599 yards per game. Dwayne Haskins has led the offense by throwing for 1,194 yards and 16 touchdowns with just one interceptions. The run game is being led by the duo of J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber, who have combined for 622 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Ohio State is allowing just 17 points and 323.3 yards per game. They have managed to play quite well despite the loss of defensive end Nick Bosa, who is out for at least another month with an abdominal injury.
College Football Betting Trends
Penn State
Penn State is 12-2-2 against the spread in its last 14 against winning teams and 11-3-2 ATS in its last 16 home games.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a win of more than 20 points, but 37-16 ATS in their last 53 games on grass.
Prediction:
This game should definitely live up to the hype. These two have had razor-close games the last two years, with Penn State covering in both. The spreads were bigger than three points, though. Penn State hasn’t faced a team anywhere near the level of Ohio State yet, while the Buckeyes had a big game with TCU a few weeks ago. That game should help in a tough environment at Happy Valley. Ultimately, the Buckeyes have more speed and talent all around than Penn State in my opinion. While PSU could start fast, I look for the Buckeyes to pull away late and cover this spread.
College Football Prediction: Ohio State -3.5
Related: Ohio State vs. Penn State Total Prediction