Michigan vs. Penn State Prediction
Can No. 16 Michigan snap its poor showings against top-10 teams when the Wolverines go on the road to face No. 7 Penn State tonight at 7:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
421 Michigan vs. 422 Penn State
Saturday, October 19, 2019
7:30PM ET – Beaver Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Penn State is the favorite at home, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -9 points against Michigan. The over/under total is currently listed at 47 points. The public betting currently has 65 percent going on Penn State as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Penn State holds off Iowa
Penn State remained unbeaten last weekend thanks to a 17-12 win at Iowa. The Nittany Lions are now 6-0 on the season, 3-0 in the Big Ten, 4-2 against the spread and 4-2 with the under.
The Nittany Lions have had a pretty dominant defense, allowing just 8.2 points and 259.7 yards per game this year. Offensively, PSU is pretty good as well. The Lions are producing 42 points and 465.8 yards per game this season. Sean Clifford has thrown for 1,560 yards and 13 touchdowns to lead the team while also rushing for 252 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Cain is the team’s leading rusher with 310 yards and six touchdowns while KJ Hamler has 26 receptions for 455 yards and five touchdowns.
Michigan seeks big win
Michigan got past Illinois on the road last week for a 42-25 victory. The Wolverines have won three straight to improve to 5-1 on the season. Michigan is 3-1 in the Big Ten, 2-4 against the spread and 4-2 with the over.
The Wolverines are relying on their defense this year, as they are giving up just 17.5 points and 283.7 yards per game. The defense is led by Jordan Glasgow, who has 47 tackles and four sacks. Offensively, Michigan is putting up 30.3 points and 388 yards per game. Shea Patterson is leading Michigan this season with 1,246 passing yards and nine touchdowns. Zach Charbonnet is the team’s leading rusher with 376 yards and five touchdowns, but is questionable for this game with an undisclosed injury. Ronnie Bell is the team’s leading receiver with 20 catches for 361 yards, but he doesn’t have a TD.
College Football Betting Trends
Penn State
The Nittany Lions are 9-3-1 against the spread in their last 13 games in October and 20-9-1 ATS in their last 30 conference games.
Michigan
The Wolverines are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games following a win and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Prediction:
Michigan has been a problem for Penn State. The Nittany Lions have lost and failed to cover in four of their last five against the Wolverines. However, the lone win was a 42-13 thrashing of Michigan at home two years ago. Michigan has won a lot of games under Jim Harbaugh, but the Wolverines have a horrible record against top 10 teams with him as head coach. Michigan just hasn’t been able to handle teams that are able to match, or beat them physically up front. Penn State can do that, especially at home. The Michigan offense lacks creativity and playmakers. Penn State has those and should be able to find more success on offense than the Wolverines. I will go with the Nittany Lions at home to cover.
College Football Week 8 Prediction: Penn State -9
Related: Michigan vs. Penn State Total Prediction