Wisconsin vs. Penn State Prediction
Can No. 20 Penn State get back on track when the Nittany Lions play host to Wisconsin today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
179 Wisconsin at 180 Penn State
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Noon ET – Beaver Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Penn State is favored at home, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -9 points against Wisconsin. The over/under total for the contest is currently listed at 53.5 points. The public betting for this game currently split down the middle, 50/50. 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 falls again
Penn State suffered a 42-7 loss at Michigan last week for its third loss in five games. The Nittany Lions haven’t looked terribly good in any of the five contests. Penn State is now 6-3 overall, 3-3 in the Big Ten, 5-4 against the spread and 7-2 with the over. They are just 1-3 against the spread in their last four games.
The Nittany Lions are moving the ball pretty well for the season, averaging 37.2 points and 429.1 yards per game on offense. Trace McSorley has thrown for 1,711 yards and 12 touchdowns with five interceptions while also rushing for 611 yards and nine scores. He still has some lingering impact from a knee injury, but is playing through it. Miles Sanders is the leading rusher on the team with 848 yards and eight touchdowns while KJ Hamler has caught 28 passes for 517 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Penn State is giving up 24.4 points and 388.6 yards per game. They are giving up nearly 175 rushing yards per game.
Wisconsin still in Big Ten race
Wisconsin has won three of its last five, but the three wins came against the worst in the Big Ten while the losses were on the road to Northwestern and Michigan, both by double figures. The Badgers are 6-3 overall, 4-2 in the Big Ten, 2-7 against the spread and 5-4 with the over. They are one game back in the Big Ten West race right now and are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
The Badgers have been pretty steady on defense this season, allowing just 20.9 points and 352.8 yards per game. Their pass defense is allowing only 193 yards per contest. Offensively, Wisconsin is putting up 31 points and 447.2 yards per game. The Badgers have a dominant ground attack, putting up 273 yards per game on the ground. Jonathan Taylor is leading the offense with 1,363 yards and 11 touchdowns. Alex Hornibrook has thrown for 1,343 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he is questionable for this game with a concussion. Jack Coan could fill in for him again. He has thrown for 222 yards and two touchdowns this season.
College Football Betting Trends
Penn State
Penn State is 13-4-2 ATS in their last 19 home games and 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is 8-1-1 against the spread in their last 10 games in November and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 road games.
Prediction:
Neither team is inspiring much confidence right now in terms of wagering on them. The Badgers are the team I trust a little more. Wisconsin has only lost to the current Big Ten division leaders and both were on the road. Penn State has not played to that caliber for the last month or so. Penn State has also not been managing games well down the stretch. That could be a factor here, because I expect this to be a close contest. Ultimately, the Badgers have the better defense and the best player in Taylor. I don’t see McSorley being able to make plays in the key moments to win this game. I will gladly take the points and would consider an outright bet on Wisconsin.
College Football Prediction: Wisconsin +9
Related: Wisconsin vs. Penn State Total Prediction