Ohio State at Penn State Picks

November 5, 2009

A large game this Saturday as the Ohio State Buckeyes visit the Penn State Nittany Lions. The live college football odds show Penn State as a 3.5 point chalk with the over/under posted at 39.5. If you are looking for a place to bet on this game this weekend, take a look at the 0 signup bonus offered by BetUS!

Ohio State compiled a total of 1068 yards the past two weeks, but that was versus New Mexico State and Minnesota and in all probability doesn’t reflect what they are able to do right now. Rather, maybe it was the 184 yards against Wisconsin or the 287 against Purdue. That, along with five turnovers, led to a defeat at the hands ofthe Boilermakers, without which the Buckeyes would be 8-1 on the year.

Statistically, the Buckeyes are graded very highly on defense. This is a team that grants only 86 rushing yards a game (sixth), 174 passing yards a game (fourteenth) and 11.7 points a game (sixth). They have scheduled very craftily, with a walk-through against New Mexico State last week, which equates to, two weeks to get ready.

The trouble with the Buckeyes‘ attack is that Terelle Pryor, who came with so much hype to Columbus, and was even touted for the Heisman by some people, has turned out to be vastly overrated. Pryor is a 54.6% passer while throwing nine interceptions, and it’s a disgrace that he is the only guy providing anything resembling a ground game for this team, and Randon Saine has been slouching, with 143 yards in the past four games.

When you look at Penn State’s situation, Penn State is in a little sounder shape with running back Evan Royster (859 yards, 5.9 ypc) and quarterback Daryll Clark (18 TD’s, 7 INT’s), who are both more seamless than their Ohio State counterparts. Do you really think the Lions (2.6 ypc), who are providing just 9.3 points a contest, can’t get at least as many stops as Jim Tressel’s team?

No matter what they claim they’re going to do with Pryor, there is zip they can do to give him a more accurate arm, or make him a more natural quarterback. Maybe it’s a defensive fight. If it is, then you want the team that is less likely to make the crucial error. That’s Penn State, the 3.5-point chalk.

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Posted by Steve Janus · Filed Under Football Handicapping 

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