By James Hammer in Vegas
Most sportsbooks have installed the Penn State Nittany Lions as a 6.5-point favorite in their Saturday game with Indiana, which will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on FS1. The game’s total also seems to be set consistently at 58.5 points.
However, the FOX Bet Sportsbook has some expanded offerings that will give bettors a few extra things to consider before making their Saturday wagers. For example, taking Penn State on the moneyline returns -225 odds. And a wager of Penn State -6.5 has a price of -110. But with FOX Bet’s available alternate spreads, you could also bet the Nittany Lions at -7 and receive a return of +105.
On the field, Indiana will have to overcome an awful history with Penn State if the Hoosiers hope to pull off the upset. As noted at SI.com, Indiana is 1-22 against Penn State all-time. Last season, the Nittany Lions beat the Hoosiers 34-27. And two years ago, Penn State won 33-28. So if recent history is any indication, Saturday’s contest could be a close one as well.
The Nittany Lions should lean heavily on an offense that returns eight of 11 starters from last season, including preseason All-American tight end Pat Freiermuth. Indiana figures to have a fairly balanced attack behind receivers Whop Philyor and Try Tryfogle and running back Stevie Scott.
The Temple Owls also take the field on Saturday in a matchup with Memphis at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Tennessee. That game will kick off at noon and air on ESPN+. The Owls are +13.5 at BetRivers and DraftKings Sportsbook, with a moneyline price of +335 for those bold enough to wager on the upset. The game’s over/under total is 71.5 points.
