The Ball State Cardinals (1-0) and Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0) meet Saturday at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Ball State at Penn State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Ball State eased past FCS Western Illinois by a 31-21 count last week in Muncie, Ind., but was toasted for 367 passing yards. That’s a huge concern hitting the road for Happy Valley.
No. 13 Penn State jumped up seven spots in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, after visiting the Wisconsin Badgers and picking up a 16-10 win. The Nittany Lions and Badgers played a scoreless first half before someone finally hit the scoreboard. The Lions were good for 247 passing yards, and QB Sean Clifford looks to take advantage of a very giving Cardinals secondary.
Ball State at Penn State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:16 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Ball State +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Penn State -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Ball State +22.5 (-108) | Penn State -22.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)
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Ball State at Penn State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penn State 45, Ball State 17
Money line
Penn State (-2000) will cost you 20 times your potential return, or $5 profit for every $100 risked. You can’t do that.
AVOID.
Against the spread
Roll with PENN STATE -22.5 (-112) against undermanned Ball State. The Cardinals couldn’t contain the passing attack of Western Illinois of the FCS on their home field last weekend. They certainly are going to struggle in Happy Valley against the Nittany Lions in front of 100,000-plus fans.
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Over/Under
OVER 57.5 (-117) is the play as the Nittany Lions will certainly get theirs. The concern here is whether Ball State will be able to get on the ball and get its offense going. It might take a late, garbage-time touchdown to push this one Over the finish line, so don’t get too crazy with the total in this one.
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