Game Time: Saturday, Sept 1st, Noon EST
TV: ESPN, ESPN U
Betting Line: PENN -6.5
Betting Odds from Bovada
Ohio
Ohio utilizes a no-huddle offense, which worked well for them after it was implemented last year. They had school records for points, total yards, and total passing yards, and ranked in the top 45 in the nation in all major offensive categories, while finishing 4th in the MAC in total yardage with 449.3 per game.
“We’re looking to operate at a little after tempo yet,” head coach Frank Solich commented.
QB Tyler Tettleton was a third team All-MAC selection and threw for 3,302 yards with 28 TDs last year, while also rushing 658 yards and 10 rushing TDs.
The Bobcats lost WR LaVon Brazill to the NFL Draft, but have a solid WR core with Tyler Futrell (Sr), returning starter Donte Foster (Jr), and Mario Dovell (Jr). Foster caught 30 passes last year for 352 yards and five TDs. Running backs Beau Blankenship and Ryan Boykin combined for 927 yards last year and will split the carries once again this year.
Last year’s bowl game win for Ohio was their first in school history, as they took down Utah State 24-23 in the Idaho Potato Bowl. It was also their first 10-win season in 43 years, though they failed to take the MAC title, after losing a game that they were up 20-0 in against Northern Illinois.
Penn State
Penn State returns Matt McGloin, who threw for only eight TDs last year. McGloin’s arm isn’t quite as strong as Rob Bolden’s arm, but he completed 54 percent of his throws and Bolden completed only 39 percent as a sophomore. The battle between McGloin and Bolden ultimately ended because Bolden throws way too many interceptions.
Losing Silas Redd really hurts, as now Curtis Dukes is the top rusher on the roster, and he ran for only 237 yards and one TD last year. Jr Shawney Kersey is the best receiver of a receiving core that lacks both seasoning and experience. Kersey caught only five passes for 108 yards last year.
Head coach Bill O’Brien has overhauled the coaching staff of the Nittany Lions and kept only two members of the Paterno staff. He brings a new offensive system that should help the Nittany Lions improve, though last year wasn’t horrible — at least record-wise, as they went 9-4 overall and reached the TicketCity Bowl where they lost to Houston 14-30.
The big story will be how the Nittany Lions faithful and the fans react to the first game since Joe Paterno’s death. It’s hardly a side story, but I’ve chosen to focus on the game itself rather than dwell on a situation that has already received more than its fair share under the sun. Let’s play football.
College football oddsmakers have set the line at less than a TD in favor of Penn State, so this game should be a close one and have a lot of betting action.
Ohio Betting Trends:
Bobcats are 28-10 ATS their last 38 games on grass and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Penn State Betting Trends:
Nittany Lions are 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall and 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. They are 1-5 ATS in there last 6 games against the MAC and 1-12 ATS in their last 13 games in September. They are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 non-conf games.
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