The Penn State Nittany Lions host the Auburn Tigers in their annual white-out game at Beaver Stadium this weekend. It's time to continue our college football odds series by making a Auburn-Penn State prediction and pick by using all available information and data.
Auburn is looking for their second 3-0 start in their last three seasons, as Penn State looks for their fourth 3-0 start in their previous five seasons. Let’s take a look at the matchup between two very talented football teams on Saturday night. Here is how the bookmakers have set the odds:
College Football odds: Auburn-Penn State Odds
Auburn +5.5 (-110)
Penn State -5.5 (-110)
Over 52.5
Under 52.5
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Why Auburn Could Cover the Spread
Auburn is looking for another win after defeating Akron and Alabama State by a large number in both games combining for a total of 102 points. Auburn won 60-10 versus Akron in their home opener and then shut out Alabama State 62-0. Quarterback Bo Nix is completing 74.4 percent of his passes for 383 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Tigers’ ground game averages 340 yards per game, as Jarquez Hunter leads the way with 257 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, Demetris Robinson and Shderick Jackson have combined for 179 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Auburn is allowing only five points and 194 yards per game. The Tigers pass rush has been tremendous against the inferior competition, and there hasn’t been anything happening against the run D so far. Last year, the Tigers defense was just as dominant yielding 242.6 total yards and 1.8 touchdowns to opponents. Auburn is 8-2 against the spread in their last ten non-conference games.
Why Penn State Could Cover the Spread
A night game at Happy Valley is a very tough place to play with so many fans and their white-out. The Auburn Tigers have not played any significant opponents yet, and the Penn State defense looks like one of the best in college football this year. Quarterback Sean Clifford is completing 62.9 percent of his passes for 477 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Noah Cain leads the Nittany Lions rushing attack with 117 yards and two touchdowns.
Ball State is a quality opponent that should be in the mix for the MAC title, and the Nittany Lion offense shredded them for 44 points on 493 total yards of offense last game. It will be challenging for Penn State to produce offense, yet they should be able to get the ball downfield with a few explosive plays by their playmakers. On defense, Penn State’s talented rush-ends and linebacker Brandon Smith will get to Bo Nix early and force him out of the pocket. The Nittany Lions are 4-1 against the spread in their last five non-conference games and 6-0 in their previous six games overall. They are currently ranked 10th in the nation.
Final Auburn-Penn State Prediction & Pick
Given the atmosphere of Saturday night’s game, I believe Penn State gains the edge here. Bo Nix is an experienced quarterback with poise; however, this ball-hawking defense for the Nittany Lions is no joke. If they can get to Nix early and force some turnovers, the crowd will feed off this energy and make it an adamant game for the Auburn Tigers. Clifford knows precisely what this game feels like in a home game and, therefore, will have the edge in this quarterback matchup. Additionally, the Nittany Lions are better tested so far this season. Take Penn State to cover the 5.5 point spread in this non-conference battle.
Final Pick: Penn State Nittany Lions (-5.5)
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