College Football Week 10 - #16 Ohio State vs. #11 Penn State

Saturday, November 7: 3:30 p.m.

College Football Betting Odds: Penn State -4

Here are some College Football Betting Trends Which May Impact This Game:

• Penn State: 13-1SU in their last 14 home games

• Penn State: 2-5 SU in their last 7 games against Ohio State

• Penn State: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games against Ohio State

• Ohio State: 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games

• Ohio State: 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games

• Ohio State: 19-4 SU in their last 23 road games

Two Big 10 and national powers collide Saturday, when the Penn State Nittany Lions host the Ohio State Buckeyes in State College, PA.

As usual, Penn State is headed for another successful season, and as usual, much of the credit must be given to the defense. There is literally not a better defense in all of college football, as the Lions give up just nine points per game, ranked first in all of college football. They also rank fifth in both total defense and rushing defense, allowing a meager 84 yards on the ground. The unit is led by linebackers Sean Lee and Navarro Bowman, both of whom have bright NFL futures.

And while the defense gets most of the credit, much praise for Penn State’s success, needs to be given to senior quarterback Daryll Clark as well. Clark is headed for another All-Big 10 selection, after throwing for over 2100 yards and 18 touchdowns in the Lions first nine games. Even more impressive about the feat is that Clark lost his top three receivers from a year ago to graduation.

Of some concern to Penn State has to be a rushing attack, that while it’s been good, hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations set last year. Even in last weekend’s win against Northwestern, it’s important to note that while Evan Royster did accumulate 118 yards on the ground, 69 of them were on just one 4th quarter touchdown carry.

Much like their opponents Saturday, Ohio State makes their living on the defensive side of the football as well. Cameron Heyward leads a group which is ranked No. 6 in the country in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense, and has a pass defense that’s ranked 14th overall. Last week against New Mexico State, the Buckeyes held their opponents to just 62 yards… for the whole game! Certainly a performance to take note of, even if it was against one of college football’s worst offenses.

Regardless of how well the Ohio State defense is playing, there’s no doubt that the offense has had its troubles. On the year, quarterback Terrelle Pryor has not nearly developed into the signal caller that many expected him to be when he was ranked the No. 1 high school player in the class of 2008. On the year he has thrown just 13 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions.

On Saturday, we know that both of these teams are going to play stingy, airtight defense. The question is, which offense can put up points?

I think its Penn State. While neither team is going to light up the scoreboard, the Lions simply have more weapons, a more experienced quarterback and a better- albeit younger- offensive line. Although the score will be low, I still like Penn State to cover the BetUS college football betting odds this weekend.

Aaron’s Pick: Penn State -4