Eastern Michigan (2-1) vs Penn State (2-1) Gambling Preview + Predictions
Both Penn State and Eastern Michigan come into this game with a 2-1 record. Eastern Michigan beat two FCS opponents before falling 31-3 against Michigan last weekend. Penn State was beaten badly at home by Alabama, but they did bounce back with a hard fought win over Temple last week.
Can the Eagles hang around with the Nittany Lions or will this one get ugly?
Eagles vs. Nittany Lions
Beaver Stadium
Saturday September 24, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Penn State -29 (-110) Eastern Michigan +29 (-110)
Over/Under: 44
ATS Stats Reports
Ron English is in the process of turning the Eagles football program around, but it is definitely a process that will take some time. Eastern Michigan went 0-12 in 2009, but they picked up a couple wins last year. The team is clearly making some improvement, but the Eagles have far more holes than most teams in the MAC.
Alex Gillett had a pretty good season in 2010, but he has gotten off to a slow start in 2011. Gillett has thrown for just 205 yards in the team’s first three games this season. At the same time, Eastern Michigan has become a team that has a run first mentality. Javonti Greene and Dominique Sherrer are averaging 6.1 and 7.7 yards per carry this year. Eastern Michigan is actually averaging 290 yards per game as a team, which is sixth best in the country in 2011. The team has clearly decided to try to establish an identity by being physical up front and running the football. Eastern Michigan’s secondary has done a good job so far this year, and the defensive as a whole has been improved. The front seven will likely be at a big disadvantage against Penn State.
The Nittany Lions trailed much of the game, but they were able to pull out a crucial 14-10 victory over Temple last Saturday. Joe Paterno’s team clearly has a lot of room for improvement, but they do have a pretty nice mixture of veteran leadership as well as young talent. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The quarterback controversy is still brewing in Happy Valley. Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin continue to share time at the quarterback position. Neither player has been particularly effective so far this season. If Penn State is going to be a legitimate contender in the Big Ten, they’ll need to get some improved play from this position. Silas Redd and Brandon Beachum have been sharing carries in the backfield for Penn State.
Stephfon Green has been reinstated with the team, but he has yet to play this season. Derek Moye is the true star for this offense, and they would do well to get him the ball even more often. The defense has been carrying the load so far this season for the Nittany Lions. Michael Mauti is the leader at linebacker for Penn State. The entire defense is very solid, and the secondary is one of the best in the nation.
Eastern Michigan will try to run the football and keep the clock ticking as much as possible in this one. Penn State’s offense is averaging 22 points per game this year, and I really don’t think they should be laying this many points against anyone right now.
Free College Football Pick: Eastern Michigan +29
Score Prediction: Penn State 31 Eastern Michigan 10
CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!
