Penn State vs UMass Betting Odds, Injury Report, and Predictions

The Nittany Lions return to the field to take on UMass in Beaver Stadium on Saturday at 3:30. Penn State football is a heavy favorite when looking at the betting odds, but can it cover the massive spread? This week will be the final game to fine-tune and get healthy before the highly anticipated matchup with Ohio State next week. And as always, we dive into the Big Ten Bet of the week.

Injury Report (Based on the previous week’s official Big Ten availability reports)

Penn State:

Alonzo Ford DT – Out for the Season

Smith Vilbert DE – Out for the Season

Landon Tengwall OL – Medical Retirement

JB Nelson OL

Malick Meiga WR

Jan Mahlert WR

Kaytron Allen RB

Harrison Wallace III WR

UMass:

Jacquon Gibson WR

Carlos Davis QB

Tyler Rudolph DB

Tim Baldwin Jr. RB

Betting Odds:

Spread:

Penn State (-41.5) vs. UMass

James Franklin’s Nittany Lions enter Saturday’s matchup as a 41.5-point favorite. Penn State football is 5-0 ATS this season and 10-0 in the last 10 games. UMass is 3-4 ATS this season and 5-5 in the last 10 games. Penn State covered the 27-point spread in the only matchup between the teams in 2014.

Penn State football moneyline: -10000

Placing a $10,000 bet on Penn State football to beat UMass would pay $100. Penn State leads the all-time series 1-0. The only meeting between the teams came in 2014, when Penn State won 48-7 in State College.

Penn State football vs. UMass over/under: 54.5

The total has gone over in 3 of 5 games for Penn State to start the season. The total has gone over for 6 of UMass’s 7 games. The total has gone over in 8 of UMass’s last 10 games.

Penn State vs UMass game predictions: (5-2 this season)

Since James Franklin has arrived in Happy Valley, Penn State is 3-7 off a bye week. It is important to note that 6 of those games featured a ranked opponent. Luckily, UMass is one of the worst teams in the FBS.

Everyone is already looking ahead to Ohio State next week, and rain is in the forecast for Saturday. This game is simple: get a big lead early, pull the starters, and avoid injuries. The Minutemen are ranked 126^th in college football, allowing 452 yards per game.

Even if the weather limits some of Penn State’s offense through the air, this could be the game where Nick Singleton finally has the explosive runs that fans have been clamoring for. I would take Penn State giving points in this one, especially if the betting odds are around the 42-point mark. I would also take the over in this game despite the weather. There is an opportunity for some turnovers, and UMass games have gone over 6 out of 7 games this season.

Prediction: Penn State 56 – UMass 0

Big Ten bet of the Week: (1-4)

Maryland (-13.5) vs Illinois, 3:30 pm, NBC

At this point, I may just be cursed. Two weeks ago, Iowa lost starting when QB Cade McNamara went down on the 2^nd drive of the game. The Hawkeyes had to gut out a win that fell just short of the 12.5 we needed to cover.

This week, we turn to Maryland to cover a two-touchdown spread against a collapsing Illinois team. While the Terrapins are fresh off their first loss of the season last week at Ohio State, they have made it a point to beat up on the bad teams. The Illini have been absolutely terrible this year with a 2-4 (0-3) record, with the only wins coming from a two-point victory over Toledo and 6 point win over FAU at home.

While Maryland may not be in the top tier of the Big Ten, it could make the case for being the 4^th best team. The Terrapins will prove it this Saturday at home by blowing out Illinois. The thing about sports betting is you either want to be extremely hot or cold. Either way, I am giving you a side to pick. It is your choice whether to ride with or fade me.

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