Michigan State vs
Penn State odds – PSU the heavy favorite
Posted on 11/17/2008 5:10:32 PM
By Blake Frazier
NCAA football 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.
