Northwestern vs Penn State Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Big Ten Mismatch on Tap?
Penn State Massive Favorites
Big Ten foes get back to conference play when the Northwestern Wildcats meet the Penn State Nittany Lions in Happy Valley on Saturday.
Although both are 1-0 in their respective divisions, Northwestern and Penn State have had different starts to their seasons.
Northwestern began with an overseas win over Nebraska. However, the team has struggled since then, falling in its last three non-conference games. Despite the 1-3 record, the Wildcats remain tied for first in the Big Ten West.
Penn State has gotten off to a smoother start, going 4-0 to climb to No. 11 in the AP Poll. With a 35-31 win over Purdue in Week 1, the Lions are tied for first in the East.
Last time out, Northwestern fell to Miami (Ohio) 17-14 while Penn State downed Central Michigan 33-14.
With Penn State out to a hot start, the Lions have the fourth-best odds to win the Big Ten conference at (+1000) odds. Northwestern, meanwhile, is tied for last with Indiana with (+25000) odds to win.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Northwestern vs Penn State. We’ve plenty of Vegas NCAAF odds for you to consider.
Northwestern’s Turnover Trouble
Things have been downhill for the Northwestern Wildcats since a come-from-behind victory over Nebraska in Dublin.
While the Wildcats are in the bottom two in the conference in points, averaging 23 a game, but where the team has stumbled the most is in the turnover category.
Northwestern is tied for the national lead in fumbles lost with seven and has also thrown three interceptions.
While the Wildcats have turned the ball over 10 times, they have failed to get many back and have a turnover margin of minus-5.
In their loss to Southern Illinois, the Wildcats gave up four turnovers and committed two that helped contribute to the loss in Week 4.
As Northwestern continues to be haunted by turnovers, Penn State has full control on that end. The Nittany Lions, who own a turnover margin of +8 for fourth in the nation, had four takeaways against Central Michigan in Week 4.
Northwestern will need to be able to protect the football in order to stay competitive against Penn State.
Penn State’s Offense Stays Solid
While Northwestern has been sputtering, the Penn State Nittany Lions has been on a roll, and a large part of that is due to its offense.
The Nittany Lions are fifth in the Big Ten in total offense and fourth in points scored, with the team averaging 464.5 yards and 38.8 points.
Penn State gets solid contributions from both its passing and rushing game, averaging 278.8 passing yards and 185.8 rushing yards.
Quarterback Sean Clifford has been a consistent performer for Penn State, throwing for 890 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception on 75 of 117 attempts.
Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley and tight end Brenton Strange have benefited from that play. Tinsley has recorded 17 catches for 209 yards and three touchdowns and Strange has 14 receptions for 211 yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have been the team’s one-two punch. Singleton leads the team with 42 rushes for 376 yards and four touchdowns while Allen has 36 rushes for 217 yards and three touchdowns.
With a solid air and ground attack, Penn State should continue to be successful.
Northwestern vs Penn State Injuries
Defensive back Coco Azema is questionable for Northwestern.
For Penn State, tight end Jerry Cross and running back Keyvone Lee are questionable.
Northwestern vs Penn State Head-to-Head
Northwestern and Penn State have met 19 times previously, with the Nittany Lions leading the series 14-5. The last time the two met was in 2017, when Penn State defeated Northwestern 31-7 in Evanston, Ill.
Northwestern vs Penn State Game Information
- Game: Northwestern vs Penn State
- Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 1, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Northwestern vs Penn State Live Stream: ESPN
Northwestern vs Penn State Betting Lines
Northwestern vs Penn State Prediction
With the Nittany Lions on a roll and the Wildcats losing their past three games, Penn State should have no problem staying undefeated.
While the game is at Penn State, where the Lions are 2-0, oddsmakers have posted a big spread. Penn State failed to cover last week.
Northwestern has kept all of its games within one score, and although the Nittany Lions are a tougher opponent than the Wildcats’ first four, Northwestern should cover.
