Draft Kings releases 2023 Penn State football win total projection

James Franklin and the Nittany Lions had a remarkable and program-defining season in 2022. Despite initially low expectations, Penn State surprised the nation by finishing 11-2 overall, culminating in a memorable Rose Bowl victory. Building on the success of the previous year, the Lions are entering the 2023 season with significant expectations. They have been ranked as high as No. 4 in the country in post-spring rankings, and despite some new faces, they are anticipated to make a significant impact this fall. Adding to the anticipation, Draft Kings recently released its win total projection for Penn State football in 2023, ranking the Nittany Lions as the third-best team in the Big Ten for the upcoming season.

2023 Penn State football win total projection released by Draft Kings

Despite the considerable national hype surrounding Penn State football, the projected win total for the Nittany Lions is subjectively modest. Draft Kings has set the over/under for the 2023 Penn State football win total at 9.5 wins for the upcoming season. In my opinion, this presents an enticing opportunity to bet on the over.

Penn State appears to be well-equipped across all aspects of the game, from a strong offense to a solid defense and coaching staff. While games are not won on paper, the team’s schedule does not seem overly challenging, ranking as the easiest in the Big Ten. Furthermore, having the opportunity to face the reigning Big Ten Champions, Michigan, at home adds to the team’s favorable circumstances.

While road tests against Ohio State, Illinois, and Michigan State will pose challenges, the Lions should be prepared to tackle them. Notably, the team will open against West Virginia, host Iowa in Week 4, and face Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines in mid-November, all of which are formidable opponents. That being said, both experts and I currently only identify two potential losses: against Michigan and Ohio State. However, as we witnessed in 2021, unexpected outcomes are always a possibility.

Michigan, Ohio State listed ahead of the Nittany Lions

It is widely expected that both the Wolverines and the Buckeyes will have more successful seasons than Penn State football this year. Currently, Michigan and Ohio State are projected to achieve 10.5 wins each. Once again, the outcome of “The Game” between Michigan and Ohio State in Week 13 could play a pivotal role in determining the Big Ten champion, just as we have seen in many recent years. This year, the highly anticipated matchup will take place in Ann Arbor; it is worth noting that the last time Ohio State visited Ann Arbor, they suffered a humiliating 42-27 defeat.

Nevertheless, if Penn State football can break its losing streak against one or both programs this season, it could mark their return to the Big Ten title game for the first time since 2016.

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