Get away from those World Series odds for a minute and check out this week’s marquee matchup in the Big Ten, where Penn State will try and end a five-game skid in Ann Arbor, home of a rejuvenated Michigan team.
Penn State vs Michigan – Saturday, October 24, 3:30 PM ET
The No.13 Nittany Lions (6-1, 2-1) blanked Minnesota 20-0 and they dominated on both sides of the ball through possession as they held the ball for almost 42 minutes. Penn State had 464 yards to Minnesota’s 138, but after having so much possession, they really should have scored more than 20 points. Darryl Clark was 21-of-32 for 287 yards and a touchdown, while Evan Royster ran 23 times for 137 yards for the Nittany Lions.
Michigan (5-2, 1-2) rolled to a 63-6 demolition of Delaware State, racking up a school-record 727 yards along the way. Four Michigan quarterbacks combined to go 15-of-18 for 266 yards and two touchdowns, while Vincent Young’s 166 yards led a ground game that had a ridiculous 461 yards and found the end zone six times. Of course, Michigan isn’t always going to have such an easy time covering in the online betting world, but Delaware State is a good tune-up for two reasons: execution, and confidence.
The Nittany Lions are 4.5-point favorites on the road this week, but the Wolverines have had their number recently when Penn State comes to the famous “Big House” with five straight wins, and the last three have come by five points or less. The Nittany Lions’ offense came up short in their one game against a good defense when they lost at home to Iowa, but the Wolverines are young and are prone to errors, which means Clark and Royster should have big days. Michigan is coming back with a vengeance, but they could be a bit overconfident after throttling a lesser opponent. Taking Michigan would be like putting the Dodgers in your World Series picks: they’re just too young in the important places. Go with Penn State to finally win at the “Big House”, and take them in your offshore sportsbook.
