Buckeyes vs Nittany Lions NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
The Buckeyes snatched victory from the jaws of defeat last week against Purdue. With QB Braxton Miller out of the game with a head injury they were able to get the touchdown they needed to force overtime and then win it with another TD.
Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0) vs Penn State Nittany Lions (5-2)
Saturday October 27
Beaver Stadium – Happy Valley, PA
5:30PM
Moneyline: Penn State -103, Ohio State +107 from TopBet.eu
Spread: Ohio State -1
O/U: 50
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Ohio State
The Buckeyes are a perfect 8-0 thus far but ineligible for postseason play. You have to wonder if that fact will factor into their motivation as they close out the season.
The big question as this is being written is the status of Miller. He is currently questionable for Saturday and given that he suffered a head injury and the Buckeyes season is moot is there might not be any reason to take unnecessary chances. The backup QB Kenny Guiton looked alright given his experience level but he is not nearly as dynamic as Miller. On the road at Happy Valley in his first start it might be too much for Guiton to handle.
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Ohio State has won the last two times they visited Penn State. This year that might be too tall an order if Miller is watching from the sidelines. Both teams have momentum coming into this one and both teams are playing for bragging rights this season only. It makes it a very interesting game to call as a result.
Penn State
After those two early losses to start the season the Penn State Nittany Lions have been among the most impressive teams in the nation. 5 straight victories, all by 11 points or more, show that this program has a lot of heart to go with their emotional baggage right now. It is a bit hard to believe but with their solid defense and emerging offense they can certainly keep it going. Facing Ohio State is likely to bring out even more emotion Saturday. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The team has improved as QB Matt McGloin has. In the 5 victories he has completed 60% or more of his passes. He is coming off his best game of the season at Iowa when he completed close to 70% with 2 TDs and no picks. He has just two interceptions this season and if he plays clean Penn State will have a great shot at the small upset. They are not the most prolific offensive team but the Nittany Lions do have good balance.
Given their circumstances both of these teams are hard to read. When looking at Penn State you have to think the good times are going to end soon. They lost their coach and many key players from last year so how can they keep it up. The biggest difference maker on either team is Miller. If he goes I think you have to bet against PSU. If he doesn’t fire away on Penn State.
Spread Pick: Ohio State -1
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: Ohio State 27 – Penn State 10
