Check out our free Spartans vs Nittany Lions pick and preview for NCAAF week 13 game in University Park. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this week’s NCAAF matchup.
Spartans vs Nittany Lions Pick & Preview: NCAAF Week 13 Betting Odds
The Spartans will play host to the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA, with a kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM ET. The game will be televised on FS1. In a matchup between two Big Ten teams, the Nittany Lions are 18 point favorites at home. The over-under point total is currently set at 52.5.
Spartans vs Nittany Lions Matchup at a Glance
- Sport: NCAAF
- Teams: Michigan State Spartans at Penn State Nittany Lions
- Where: University Park at Beaver Stadium
- Date: Saturday, November 26th
- Betting Odds:
- PENNST -18, MST +669 | PENNST -1132 O/U 52.5
Spartans Preview:
As the Spartans travel to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions, they have an overall record of 5-6. This includes going 3-5 in Big Ten action.
In their previous game, the Spartans fell to Indiana at home by a score of 39-31. Michigan State also picked up an ATS loss, as they were 12.0 point favorites entering the game. The two team’s combined to score 70 points, surpassing the over-under betting line of 47.5. In the win, the team’s defense gave up a total of 288 yards, with 257 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 135th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, Michigan State is ranked 114th in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 31 yards through the air.
Heading into this week’s action, Michigan State has a tough matchup against a Penn State defense performing well in many advanced statistics, including EPA in which they are 18th in college football. On paper, moving the ball could be tough for Michigan State as they are generating explosive plays at a below average rate. Look for the Spartans offense to struggle on the ground, as they are facing a Penn State defense that is tough up front. This season, the Nittany Lions are averaging 121.0 yards per game and have a below average rush rate compared to other teams. Heading into the game, the Spartans will be looking to turn things around in the passing game, as their per game average of 241.0 yards places them 75th in the NCAA. So far, they are the 89th ranked team in attempts per contest (33.45).
Nittany Lions Preview:
As the Nittany Lions travel to take on the Michigan State Spartans, they have an overall record of 9-2. This includes going 6-2 in Big Ten action.
In their last game, Penn State defeated Rutgers 55-10, despite being the 19.0 point underdogs. The two team’s combined to score 65 points, surpassing the over-under betting line of 45.0. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 167 yards, with 32 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 28th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, Penn State is ranked 60th in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 135 yards through the air.
Coming into this week’s game, the Penn State offense is averaging 35.91. So far, big plays have been hard to come by for the unit, as they rank poorly in explosive plays in both on the ground and through the air. However, they have an opportunity to put together an above average performance vs a Michigan State defense ranked 109th in EPA. One matchup to watch in this game, is if Penn State can generate some success in the run game. So far, the team is averaging 184.09 rush yards per game and have a matchup vs a Michigan State defense that is vulnerable up front. Heading into the game, the Nittany Lions will be looking to turn things around in the passing game, as their per game average of 250.36 yards places them 60th in the NCAA. So far, they are the 74th ranked team in attempts per contest (34.09).
Odds & Free Betting Analysis for this NCAFF Game
In terms of betting, the Spartans have an ATS record of 5-6-0. Their current over-under record sits at 5-6-0. In their last 5 games away from home, the Spartans have a straight up record of 1-4-0 while going 2-3-0 vs the spread. The team averaged 15.6 points per game in this stretch.
In terms of betting, the Nittany Lions have an ATS record of 8-3-0. Their current over-under record sits at 8-3-0. When looking at their past 5 home matchups, Penn State has an ATS record of 3-2-0 while averaging 31.2 per game. The team went 4-1-0 overall in these games.
Spartans vs Nittany Lions Pick
Free Spread Prediction: Michigan State Spartans 18
Free Total Prediction: Over 52.5
