The Penn State Nittany Lions will kick off their season against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday morning. It's time to continue our CFB odds series and make a Penn State-Wisconsin prediction and pick. There's a lot to consider when look at the Penn State Wisconsin odds, so let's dive into this matchup.
Both of these programs will try to start the season on a high note after disappointing seasons in 2020. Penn State stumbled to an 0-5 start last year, but they turned things around and won four straight to end the year. Wisconsin ended the year just above .500, which didn't come close to fulfilling their expectations. This game will set the tone for both of these teams, and the pressure is certainly on both squads to start the season with a win.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Saturday's game.
NFL Odds: Penn State-Wisconsin Odds
Penn State Nittany Lions +5 1/2 (-110)
Wisconsin Badgers -5 1/2 (-110)
Over 50 points (-110)
Under 50 points (-110)
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Why Penn State Could Cover The Spread
This Penn State team's strength seems to be on the defensive side of the ball. This is why Wisconsin isn't a bigger favorite in the Penn State Wisconsin odds.
The Nittany Lions return their two leading tacklers from last season in linebackers Ellis Brooks and Jesse Luketa. Star cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields should be at full health after suffering a shoulder injury that limited him to three games in 2020. The defensive line got some big transfers in the offseason, including Derrick Tangelo and Arnold Ebiketie. This unit should be better than last year, and they match up well against a Wisconsin team that only scored 25 points per game in 2020.
Penn State's offense should also see some improvement from last season, particularly in the run game. This is part of the calculus when making a Penn State Wisconsin pick. The Nittany Lions only earned 3.9 yards per carry last year, but that shouldn't be the case in 2021. The offensive line pretty much has no place to go but up, and star running back Noah Cain returns to the lineup after missing most of the 2020 season. Fellow running back Devyn Ford should contribute on the ground too. Expect there to be less pressure on quarterback Sean Clifford as the run game becomes a dangerous part of this offense.
Why Wisconsin Could Cover The Spread
The Badgers weren't good on offense in 2020 by any stretch of the imagination, but their defense was one of the best in the nation. They allowed only 17 points per game, good for ninth-best in college football. Wisconsin's opponents struggled to get anything going offensively, as the Badgers allowed just 299 yards per game and only 3.3 yards per carry. Those numbers are incredible, and there's reason to believe that Wisconsin will be able to replicate them in 2021 season. Keep that in mind when making a Penn State Wisconsin pick.
The Badgers return most of their important defensive pieces from last year. Starting cornerbacks Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams were both All-Big Ten corners last year, and they're back for one more season. Linebacker Jack Sanborn is the leader of this unit after a fantastic 2020 season. Oregon transfer Isaac Townsend will provide even better pass-rush off the edge to this unit. The Badgers are absolutely loaded defensively, and that should show against Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford.
Final Penn State-Wisconsin Prediction & Pick
This should be a close game, but Wisconsin is an easy pick here based on the Penn State Wisconsin odds. The Badgers are playing at home, and Penn State had horrific turnover issues last season that the Badgers defense should be able to capitalize on. Wisconsin's offense should play mistake-free football, and their defense will carry the load on the road to a Badger victory.
FINAL PICK: Wisconsin Badgers -5 1/2 (-110)
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