In this article we will formulate a Penn State vs Northwestern prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 11th at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 7 matchup.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview
The Penn State Nittany Lions are 3-2 (0-2) this year after they lost to UCLA by a score of 42-37 last week. Penn State trailed 27-7 at halftime and came up just short in their comeback attempt for the terrible loss. The Nittany Lions were out gained by a total of 446-357, went 4-9 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 1-0 in the game. Drew Allar went 19-26 for 200 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 78 yards on 11 carries. Kyron Hudson led the receivers with four receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown in the loss. The PSU defense recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss in the game.
Prior to that loss, Penn State lost to Oregon by a score of 30-24 in overtime, but did win their first three games against Villanova, FlU, and Nevada. The Nittany Lions are averaging 40.6 points per game with 213.6 passing yards and 175.4 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 17.8 points against per game this season. Drew Allar has completed 64.7% of his passes for 963 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Kyron Hudson has 18 catches for 208 yards and two scores. Kaytron Allen has led the Penn State ground game with 377 yards and six touchdowns on 54 carries this year.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 3-2 (1-1) this season after they defeated UL Monroe by a score of 42-7 last week. Northwestern trailed 7-0 in the first quarter, but they scored the last 42 points for the easy win. The Wildcats out gained ULM by a total of 515-273, went 11-17 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Preston Stone went 20-31 for 262 yards and three touchdowns, while Dashun Reeder rushed 11 times for 79 yards. Hayden Eligon II led the receivers with three catches for 80 yards and one score. The NW defense recorded three sacks and seven tackles for loss in the game.
Prior to that win, Northwestern defeated UCLA, lost to Oregon, defeated Western Illinois, and lost to Tulane. The Wildcats are averaging 23.6 points per game with 185.0 passing yards and 196.0 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 17.0 points against per game this season. Preston Stone has completed 61.5% of his passes for 918 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions, while Griffin Wilde has 25 receptions for 375 yards and two scores. Caleb Komolafe has led the rushing attack with 344 yards and four scores on 76 carries this season.
Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win
- Penn State has won each of its last 20 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Northwestern has lost seven of its last eight road games in October.
- The home team has covered the spread in four of Northwestern’s last five games.
- Northwestern has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Penn State’s last six games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Northwestern’s last four road games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Penn State has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 15+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
- Penn State has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 20+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
- Northwestern has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
- Northwestern has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
Penn State vs Northwestern Prediction
Penn State comes into this matchup looking to snap a two game losing streak, after they picked up a terrible loss to UCLA last week. The Nittany Lions have allowed 72 points in their last two games, but they should be fine at home here. Northwestern has won three of their last four games, but they don’t have the offense to keep pace with Penn State. I think the Nittany Lions are going to come out ready to play and I wouldn’t be surprised if they score 50+. Take Penn State to cover at home.
David Racey is 58-44 (57%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!