10% UNLIMITED Bonus from Bodog!
Get a 10% deposit bonus when you open a new sportsbook account with Bodog!

BetUS $500 Match Bonus
Sign up for a new account with BetUS and deposit $500 or more to get a $500 match bonus.

Penn State vs Northwestern Spread

Written October 30, 2009 by Hector Garza

This analysis is brought to you by Betfirms where you’re one click away from expert NCAA football picks. Penn State, ranked #12 nationally, hits the road for a second straight week as they take on Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois. Ryan Field will be the stadium and the game is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. The Nittany Lions are ranked 3rd in the Big Ten with a 7-1 record, while the Wildcats have a 5-3 record and are ranked 5th. The college football spread heavily favors Penn State in this game by 17 points, and the total is set at 47. Right now Bodog is offering a 10% BONUS when you open an account online for betting NCAA football.

Since losing to Iowa (first in the Big Ten) 5 weeks ago, Penn St has been on a 4 game winning tear, outscoring opponents 142-30. The offense has scored 30 td’s in a balanced attack that’s averaging 243+ passing ypg and 160+ rushing ypg. Last week they were superb against Michigan. QB Darryl Clark went 16-27 for 4 td’s and230 yards while the ground game went off for 166 yards. Most importantly, there were no turnovers in the 35-10 win on the road.

PSU has found success on the defensive side of the ball as well. They currently lead the nation in scoring defense at 8.9 ppg, allowing a stingy 240.2 ypg. Also known as “Linebacker U”, the run D has posted solid numbers giving up 79.8 ypg behind LB Navorro Bowman. Against the Wolverines he had 11 tackles, a fumble recovery, interception and a sack, and on the year he’s credited with 44 tackles and 9 TFL in 6 games played.

Northwestern pulled out an improbably win last week against Indiana. They trailed 28-3 in the 2nd quarter before ripping off 26 unanswered points for the 29-28 victory. QB Mike Kafka threw 3 int’s in the game, but redeemed himself by throwing for 312 yards and 2 td’s while rushing for another. On the year he’s completed 66.1% percent of his throws for over 258 ypg and 9 td’s to 7 int’s, and is a major contributor to an offense gaining over 390 ypg. A weak point here could be the 17 sacks he’s taken, and a Lion defense that has tallied 26 sacks on the year could have him running for his life.

After giving up 28 points in the first half, the Wildcats defense pitched a 2nd half shutout, allowing 305 yards in the contest. This unit has been great at making big plays all year, as evidenced by their 18 takeaways and 20 sacks, but failed to create a turnover against Indiana. The secondary, that’s posted an impressive 11 int’s and is easily the most experienced group, may be without 3 starters in 5th year senior safety Brendan Smith (broken thumb), Senior safety Brad Phillips (shoulder) and senior CB Sherrick McManis (Quad). They can’t afford a let down this week against Clark, who leads the Big Ten’s in passer efficiency.

The Nittany Lions have traveled well with a 6-1 record over their last 7 road games, including last year. They’re also an impressive 10-0 when RB Evan Royster gains 100 yards or more rushing, so they’ll be looking to get him going early on. The offense has been playing at a high level, and if they can limit their turnovers they have the potential to put big points against a Northwestern D that gives up over 23 per game. Combine that with a stellar defense and we’ve got Joe Pa and company headed for another victory, and you can too by betting college football.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?