Penn State-Nittany Lions – Syndication Server

March Madness: Best NCAA Tournament first-round upset picks and predictions

Analyzing NCAA Tournament betting odds for the first round, with predictions and picks for the 4 best underdog bets.

[mm-video type=video id=01gved089g4bg8hvxtj0 playlist_id=none player_id=01evcg1x9ny8tb834m image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gved089g4bg8hvxtj0/01gved089g4bg8hvxtj0-3dc54a5dbd48b9ec5483c0ce0eebf69e.jpg]

Cinderella stories are always a fun part of the Big Dance — especially so when we have projected those stories alongside underdog wagers. Below, we break down Tipico Sportsbook’s NCAA Tournament odds and lines and list the best first-round upset bets to cash in on among SportbookWire’s expert college basketball picks and predictions.

It does not always have to be a bet returning enough to finance a Disney movie. It is just plain fun to do the research, make the right call, and be on that side when millions of hoops viewers are stunned (or even mildly surprised) when upsets roll across all the screens where we take in games and results. Let’s identify 4 such plus-money plays in this week’s first-round games.

See Top 25: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

THE BRACKETS ARE BACK! The USA TODAY Sports Bracket Challenge is back! $1 MILLION grand prize for a perfect bracket, $25,000 prize for top bracket. Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3259″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3272″ ]

[betwidget_tipico]

NCAA Tournament first-round upset picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:10 a.m. ET. All game times ET.

PENN STATE +2.5 (-102) vs. Texas A&M – Thursday, 7:25 p.m.

Penn State is one of several Big Ten teams not named Purdue worth keeping an eye on this first weekend. Teams from this conference are coming out of a meat-grinder, a high-quality round-robin that has leveled stats more so than the talents behind them.

With a 38.5% mark from 3-point-land (13th), the 10th-seeded Nittany Lions can bomb their way into a dogfight with the No. 7 Aggies. PSU also plays at a slowest-third tempo; some slower teams that have beaten Texas A&M outright include Boise State, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Wofford.

Penn State does well to defend inside and hang onto the basketball, and those strengths fly in the face of what the Aggies want to do. The Lions are a live dog in this match-up.

DRAKE +2.5 (-112) vs. Miami – Friday, 7:25 p.m.

This contest is a 12-5 (DU-UM) Midwest Region battle in Albany. It features a Miami Hurricanes squad that may be getting a little too much credit coming out of a weaker-than-usual ACC squaring off with a Drake five on a roll. The Bulldogs are 13-1 over their last 14 games and have outscored foes by an average of 14.7 points while shooting 40.9% from distance over that stretch.

DU is an experienced bunch and one that plays responsible ball at both ends of the floor. Miami can sometimes struggle against teams that defend the perimeter well; that’s a Drake strength (30.6% 3-point defense (30th)).

Under coach Jim Larrañaga, the Hurricanes are 2-5 against the spread in their last 7 NCAA tourney games.

Can you survive? USA TODAY Sports’ Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pools are here with a $5,000 prize for each contest! Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

MONTANA STATE +8.5 (-110) vs. Kansas State – Friday, 9:40 p.m.

It’s cat-scratch fever in this East Region game in Greensboro on Friday. The 14th-seed Bobcats are taking on the No. 3 Wildcats, but peg this as more of a wild opportunity for more of a bracket run than just a 1-time upset. There are some weak spots in the potential 2nd and 3rd games should Montana State advance here.

Kansas State has logged back-to-back flat performances, and the Wildcats are just a few weeks removed from a similar stretch in February. MSU gets to the line a ton (9th most free throws per game nationally), and the Bobcats enter the East Region brackets having won 8 consecutive games.

FURMAN +5.5 (-110) vs. Virginia – Thursday, 12:40 p.m.

Furman — the No. 13 seed in the South Region — is a live wire due to the percentage of buckets it gets at the rim and from 3-point range. The Paladins gave tourney-entrant Penn State a game back in November (73-68 loss on Nov. 17). They swept Southern Conference titles in the regular season and circuit tournament, and they enter the Big Dance with a 14-1 record since Jan. 18.

Virginia can struggle offensively and is shooting just 28.4% from distance since Feb. 7. Under coach Tony Bennett, UVA is 7-13 ATS in NCAA Tournament play.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: NCAA Tournament Midwest Region odds, picks and predictions

Looking at March Madness futures odds to win the 2023 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region, with expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The regular season is complete. The conference tournaments are in the past. Now it is time for the best time of the year. March Madness.

Below, we look at Tipico Sportsbook’s NCAA Tournament Midwest Region futures odds and and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Houston, which lost its conference title game without star Marcus Sasser, comes into the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest. The Cougars received a difficult draw with either Iowa or Auburn in the 2nd round. Although the Cougars are the favorite to get through this region, they are likely not my pick, especially if Sasser is unable to return.

There are some intriguing lower-seed teams in this bracket. Unfortunately for some, they do not have good matchups, but there will be upsets. There always are. A few could come out of the Midwest. Texas A&M and Miami better be on their toes.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3003″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3006″ ]

[betwidget_tipico]

Midwest Region futures odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines for team to win region last updated Monday at 4:18 p.m. ET.

1 seed: Houston Cougars +135 (bet $100 to win $135)

2 seed: Texas Longhorns +400 (bet $100 to win $400)

3 seed: Xavier Musketeers +1000 (bet $100 to win $1000)

4 seed: Indiana Hoosiers +1200 (bet $100 to win $1200)

5 seed: Miami Hurricanes +1200 (bet $100 to win $1200)

6 seed: Iowa State Cyclones +1500 (bet $100 to win $1500)

7 seed: Texas A&M Aggies +1800 (bet $100 to win $1,800)

8 seed: Iowa Hawkeyes +1500 (bet $100 to win $1500)

9 seed: Auburn Tigers +3000 (bet $100 to win $300)

10 seed: Penn State Nittany Lions +4000 (bet $100 to win $4000)

11 seed: Mississippi State/Pitt +6000 (bet $100 to win $6000)

12 seed: Drake Bulldogs +5000 (bet $100 to win $5000)

13 seed: Kent State Golden Flashes +10000 (bet $100 to win $10000)

14 seed: Kennesaw State Owls +10000 (bet $100 to win $10000)

15 seed: Colgate Raiders +10000 (bet $100 to win $10000)

16 seed: Northern Kentucky Norse +10000 (bet $100 to win $10000)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Midwest Region expert pick and prediction

Texas Longhorns (+440)

Texas has dealt with a lot this season, but it was still able to win the Big 12 Conference Tournament over Kansas and comes in as the No. 2 seed in a region headed by a weakened Houston squad.

If Texas is able to make it through to the Elite Eight and Houston is able to keep form, this will be a difficult matchup for Houston. Texas has the big men to pound with Houston down low. The Longhorns also have the perimeter shooting to knock down shots and avoid the physicality the Cougars hope to bring.

Texas will have a big test with its 2nd-round matchup. Whether it takes on the hated Texas A&M Aggies or the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Longhorns will need to handle a team coming in on a hot streak to reach its ultimate goal.

Top 25: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Midwest Region contenders

These 3 teams are worth a futures bet to win the region.

Houston Cougars (+135)

If not for a loss to Memphis in the AAC Championship Game, Houston (31-3), not Alabama, would be the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Sasser missed the title game with an injured groin, leading to a lopsided 75-65 decision.

With time to heal, Sasser should return healthy for the Cougars. If he does, this team has the talent and the elite defense to win the entire thing.

The Cougars are the +500 betting favorite to cut down the nets in their home town. But with the injury to Sasser being the looming factor, Texas is the pick and Houston is just a major contender.

Miami Hurricanes (+1200)

The Hurricanes, who rank top 25 in the nation with 79.6 points per game, will be one of the best offensive teams in the entire bracket. Along with Iowa, the Hurricanes will be able to put points up against any opponent.

A 2nd-round game against Trayce Jackson-Davis and Indiana could be a stumbling block. But if Miami can find a way past the Hoosiers, a Final Four bid could be in sight.

Iowa Hawkeyes (+1500)

Despite the seed, Iowa could have one of the easier draws Auburn has struggled heading into the tournament and have been unable to find any offense late in the season. Much of the offense it has found was due to mis-steps by opponents allowing them to remain close. Iowa will not allow this to happen and its offense, which is averaging 80.6 points on the season and will be able to move up and down the floor on the Tigers.

With Auburn struggling and Houston not being completely heathy, Iowa could find itself in a Sweet 16 game against Miami. This would be a fun, high-scoring game. But one which could go either way.

The Hawkeyes are dangerous in this region. Some of the top teams have warts. And this could be a region of havoc.

Midwest Region long shot

Penn State Nittany Lions (+4000)

Texas A&M is criminally underseeded. It is likely the most egregious thing the committee did this season. But Penn State has been on a roll in recent days.

Before losing a 67-65 decision to No. 1 seed Purdue in the Big Ten Conference final, Penn State rallied to make the tournament by defeating Northwestern twice, Maryland, Illinois and Indiana, all who are seeded higher in the tournament than the Nittany Lions.

Guard Jalen Pickett, a 1st-team all-Big Ten performer, has been everything for the Nittany Lions, averaging 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds and he’s 5th in the nation with 6.7 assists per game.

Penn State is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the nation. If the shots are falling, the Lions can beat anyone. If they are not, they will get blown out by anyone. This is a longshot for sure. But Penn State is dangerous.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Dominick Petrillo on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Penn State vs Purdue Big Ten Tournament odds, tips and betting trends

The No. 3 seed Purdue Boilermakers (25-6, 14-6 Big Ten) are favored by 10.5 points when they face off the No. 11 seed Penn State Nittany Lions (14-16, 7-13 Big Ten) in the Big Ten Tournament. The teams will look to take another step toward an …

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Purdue is 13-15-1 against the spread, while Penn State’s ATS record this season is 17-12-0. The Boilermakers are 16-13-0 and the Nittany Lions are 11-19-0 in terms of hitting the over. The teams score 145.4 points per game, 10.9 more points than this matchup’s total. Over the last 10 games, Purdue has a 2-7-1 record against the spread while going 7-3 overall. Penn State has gone 7-3-0 against the spread and 5-5 overall in its last 10 matches.

Get ready for this Big Ten matchup with everything you need to know before Friday’s college basketball action.

Penn State at Purdue odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

Spread: Purdue -10.5
Total: 134.5
Moneyline: Purdue -595, Penn State +427

Let’s Make This Interesting – Place your legal sports bets online in New Jersey and Colorado with Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader. Iowa, get ready, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Penn State at Purdue odds, spread, & more

Prediction

Purdue 76, Penn State 64

Moneyline

The Boilermakers are 23-5 in games they were listed as the moneyline favorite (winning 82.1% of those games).
Purdue has a 14-1 record (winning 93.3% of its games) when it has played as a moneyline favorite of -595 or shorter.
Based on this matchup’s moneyline, the Boilermakers have an implied win probability of 85.6%.

The Nittany Lions have entered the game as underdogs 18 times this season and won five, or 27.8%, of those games.
Penn State has been at least a +427 moneyline underdog two times this season, and lost all of those games.
The implied probability of a win by the Nittany Lions based on the moneyline is 19.0%.

Against the spread

The 80.7 points per game the Boilermakers average are 15.8 more points than the Nittany Lions allow (64.9).
When Purdue scores more than 64.9 points, it is 12-13-1 against the spread and 24-5 overall.
When Penn State allows fewer than 80.7 points, it is 14-10 against the spread and 11-14 overall.
The Nittany Lions put up an average of 64.7 points per game, only 4.1 fewer points than the 68.8 the Boilermakers give up.
Penn State has put together a 3-5 ATS record and a 6-2 overall record in games it scores more than 68.8 points.
Purdue is 4-2-1 against the spread and 7-0 overall when it allows fewer than 64.7 points.
The Boilermakers have out-scored their opponents by a total of 371 points this season (11.9 points per game on average), and opponents of the Nittany Lions have out-scored them by only four more points on the year (0.2 per game).

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests and win prizes. Play now!

Over/Under

The Boilermakers’ average implied point total this season is 6.6 more points than their implied total in Friday’s game (79.6 implied points on average compared to 73 implied points in this game).
So far this season, Purdue has scored more than 73 points in 21 games.
The average implied point total on the season for the Nittany Lions (70.1) is 8.1 more points than the team’s implied total in this matchup (62).
This season, Penn State has put up more than 62 points 16 times.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, our official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

Penn State vs Ohio State Big Ten Tournament odds, tips and betting trends

The No. 6 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (19-10, 12-8 Big Ten) and the No. 11 seed Penn State Nittany Lions (13-16, 7-13 Big Ten) square off in the Big Ten Tournament Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, beginning at 9:00 PM. Ohio State is favored by 5 points. Both teams are looking to take another step toward a conference title and an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament bracket.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Ohio State has a 16-13-0 record against the spread this season compared to Penn State, who is 16-12-0 ATS. In terms of going over the point total, games involving the Buckeyes are 18-11-0 and the Nittany Lions are 10-19-0. The two teams score 138.5 points per game, 11.0 more points than this matchup’s total. Ohio State is 6-4-0 against the spread and 6-4 overall in its past 10 games, while Penn State has gone 7-3-0 against the spread and 4-6 overall.

Here is everything you need to get ready for Thursday’s Big Ten college basketball game.

Penn State at Ohio State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

Spread: Ohio State -5
Total: 127.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -218, Penn State +176

Penn State at Ohio State odds, spread, & more

Prediction

Ohio State 70, Penn State 66

Moneyline

The Buckeyes have been favored on the moneyline 20 total times this season. They’ve finished 15-5 in those games.
When it has played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -218 or shorter, Ohio State has gone 14-3 (82.4%).
The Buckeyes have a 68.6% chance to win this contest based on the moneyline’s implied probability.

This season, the Nittany Lions have won four out of the 17 games, or 23.5%, in which they’ve been the underdog.
Penn State has a record of 1-10, a 8.3% win rate, when set as an underdog of +176 or more by sportsbooks this season.
The Nittany Lions have a 36.2% chance to win this game based on the implied probability of the moneyline.

Against the spread

The 74.0 points per game the Buckeyes score are 9.2 more points than the Nittany Lions allow (64.8).
Ohio State is 16-9 against the spread and 18-6 overall when scoring more than 64.8 points.
Penn State is 13-5 against the spread and 10-9 overall when giving up fewer than 74.0 points.
The Nittany Lions score an average of 64.5 points per game, only 3.9 fewer points than the 68.4 the Buckeyes allow.
Penn State has put together a 3-5 ATS record and a 6-2 overall record in games it scores more than 68.4 points.
Ohio State is 7-1 against the spread and 8-0 overall when it gives up fewer than 64.5 points.
The Buckeyes have totaled 163 more points than their opponents this season (5.6 per game on average), while the Nittany Lions have been outscored by seven total points (0.3 per game average differential).

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests and win prizes. Play now!

Over/Under

The Buckeyes have an average implied point total of 74.2 this season, which is 8.2 points higher than their implied total in Thursday’s game (66).
This season, Ohio State has scored more than 66 points in 24 games.
The 70.3-point average implied total on the season for the Nittany Lions is the same as the team’s implied total in this matchup.
This year, Penn State has outscored its implied point total for this matchup (61) 17 times.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, our official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

WATCH: Auburn Tigers At Penn State Nittany Lions – Key Facts, Stats

The only 2021 regular-season matchup between SEC and Big Ten teams takes place in Happy Valley between Penn State and Auburn.

The only regular-season matchup in 2021 between SEC and Big Ten teams is a special occasion. The game, featuring the No. 22 Auburn Tigers visiting the No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions, will be getting the ESPN College GameDay treatment, and it has also been designated for a Whiteout.

Auburn finished its past two seasons with bowl losses to Big Ten teams (Minnesota and Northwestern). Penn State, whose most recent SEC encounter was a bowl loss to Kentucky at the end of the 2018 season, is favored in this one. Go to Tipico Sportsbook for the most updated odds:

[mm-video type=video id=01ffkd6n19h7bywwrqnt playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01ffkd6n19h7bywwrqnt/01ffkd6n19h7bywwrqnt-4d5098392a1c762c40e285e4088a4bdf.jpg]

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Stream college football games on ESPN+ by signing up here.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

WATCH: Penn State Nittany Lions At Wisconsin Badgers – Key Facts, Stats

This Big Ten opener between Penn State and Wisconsin features ranked teams from different divisions.

The Wisconsin Badgers and Penn State Nittany Lions kick off their seasons with a bang, facing a top 20 conference opponent. The last time these two Big Ten teams met in 2018, Penn State walked away with a 22-10 victory at home. This time, the Nittany Lions travel to Camp Randall, where the Badgers went 2-1 in 2020. Which Big Ten powerhouse is taking this game? The line is Wisconsin -5.5. Go to Tipico Sportsbook for the most updated odds:

[mm-video type=video id=01feheggj7pkwzkksd83 playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01feheggj7pkwzkksd83/01feheggj7pkwzkksd83-e01f0eae022569551cdd6a8536d14591.jpg]

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan State Spartans college basketball odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan State Spartans sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks and tips.

The Michigan State Spartans (16-6) host the Penn State Nittany Lions (16-5) for a Big Ten conference game in the Breslin Center Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penn State-Michigan State odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.

Penn State at Michigan State: Three things you need to know

The recruited talent discrepancy is eye-popping: Michigan State has nine RSCI Top-100 recruits on their roster, while Penn State has none.
Penn State has won four straight games, including three by double-digits, and their current No. 22 AP ranking is Penn State’s highest since 1995-96.
Michigan State has been inconsistent recently—going 3-3 over its past six games with a 64-63 loss to Wisconsin on February 1. However, Michigan State is still tied will Illinois atop the Big Ten with an 8-3 conference record.

Get some action on this college basketball matchup or others by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

Penn State at Michigan State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan State 74, Penn State 63

Moneyline (ML)

Michigan State has played much better than Penn State against conference foes. The Spartans have a 8.8 margin of victory compared to the Nittany Lions’ .2 margin of victory against Big Ten teams. Plus the Nittany Lions are 0-6 at Michigan State with five double-digit losses since 2011.

But, the money line is both too chalky to warrant a wager on Michigan State’s (-400) side and too much of a gamble for Penn State (+310) given their slim chances of pulling off an upset at the Spartans’ home.

PASS on the moneyline in Penn State-Michigan State.

Against the Spread (ATS)

There are plenty of trendy reasons to BET MICHIGAN STATE -8.5 (-110) in this spot. The Spartans have exceeded bookmakers’ expectations at home so far this year: Michigan State is 9-2 ATS at home and 6-2 ATS against teams above .500. Also, Michigan State is 2-0 ATS when laying 7-9.5 points and Penn State is 0-1 ATS when getting 7-9.5 points.

Additionally, the matchup edge heavily favors the Spartans. Michigan State is third in the country in opponent’s 3-point percentage and ninth in rebounds per game. Conversely, Penn State is ranked 250th in 3-point percentage and 275th in opponent’s rebounds per game. The Spartans will force the Nittany Lions into tough shots and clean the glass once they miss those shots.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE UNDER 143.5 (-104) in Penn State-Michigan State. Both teams have played in games recently that’s went under bookmakers’ projections. The Spartans’ Over/Under record is 0-6-1 in their last seven games overall and the last three Nittany Lions games have went under as well. Also, the under has cashed in three of the last four Penn State-Michigan State games.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=11866]

Penn State at Michigan odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Wolverines betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks.

The Penn State Nittany Lions (13-5, 3-4 Big Ten) visit the Michigan Wolverines (11-6, 2-4) Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. We analyze the Penn State-Michigan odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.

Penn State at Michigan: Three things you need to know

1. Michigan has lost three of its last four games, including a 90-83 setback to Iowa Friday. The Wolverines are looking to avoid losing three consecutive conference games for the first time in nearly five years and to extend an eight-game home win streak against Penn State.

2. Penn State wants to play at a faster pace than UM, but the Wolverines take care of the basketball (23rd in offensive turnover rate). So, steal-and-transition buckets – a PSU calling card – would figure to be under control. A strong rebounding edge for the Lions, however, does figure as fuel for the PSU fast break. Michigan is weak on the offensive glass.

3. The Nittany Lions dropped recent road games at Rutgers (Jan. 7) and Minnesota (Jan. 15) despite leading for sizable chunks in both games. Last season, PSU lost a couple early Big Ten road games and then rattled off seven straight conference road wins against the spread.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Penn State at Michigan: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan 75, Penn State 72

Moneyline (ML)

No moneyeline was posted as of this publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

These Big Ten foes have similar records against top-100 foes. College basketball teams play such disparate schedules because of the large pool of DI teams – looking at top-100 games helps filter out 30-point blowouts that were wins when they went on the schedule. Figuring home-court advantage and UM having a bit more negative momentum, the Nittany Lions are the lean here.

Early betting confirms that lean. Take PENN STATE +5.5 (-121).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is: 10-7 in UM games this season … 4-0 in the Wolverines’ last four contests … 11-7 in PSU’s 18 games … 5-2 over the Lions’ last seven games … 15-5-1 over PSU’s last 21 games against winning teams … 9-1 over UM’s last 10 games against winning teams.

All of the Over trends are baked into an O/U 147.5 line for Wednesday’s contest, which draws a PASS in this corner. A figure of 144-145 would trigger a play; otherwise, respect the total and move on.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=11866]

Cotton Bowl: Memphis Tigers vs Penn State Nittany Lions odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Cotton Bowl betting odds between the Memphis Tigers and the Penn State Nittany Lions, with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Memphis Tigers (12-1) will face the Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at noon ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Memphis-Penn State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Memphis vs. Penn State: Three things you need to know

1. The UNDER has hit in seven of the last 10 games for Penn State.

2. Penn State allowed the seventh-fewest points this season, giving up just over 14 points per game.

3. The OVER has hit in 10 of the last 12 games where Memphis was considered the “underdog.”

Memphis vs. Penn State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 4:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Memphis 35, Penn State 31

Moneyline (ML)

American Athletic Conference champion MEMPHIS (+200) is the play here. Penn State (-250) was surprisingly good this season, but it doesn’t have many quality wins on the schedule. And while you can make the case the Tigers don’t either, their moneyline odds are much more enticing. I’m counting on Memphis to find ways to create chunk plays against Penn State’s defense.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Memphis ML will profit $2 if it wins.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Penn State (-7.5, +105) is favored by more than a touchdown despite going just 6-6 ATS this season. Making matters worse, Penn State has covered just twice in its past six games, and Memphis appears to be a team that could give the Nittany Lions fits on defense. I like MEMPHIS (+7.5, -129) to cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 60.5 (Over -106, Under -115), which feels just about right given how well each offense has played this season. It’s worth noting that the Over has hit in seven of the previous 10 games for Memphis as it can put up points with the best of them. I like the OVER 60.5 (-106) to hit in this one.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1623]

Indiana-Penn State odds: Nittany Lions face tough test at home

Previewing Saturday’s Indiana-Penn State college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

[jwplayer 64hUO9C8]

The Indiana Hoosiers (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) and Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1, 5-1) will do battle in Happy Valley on Saturday at noon ET, with the Lions looking to bounce back after a narrow loss at Minnesota last weekend and the Hoosiers going for their first 8-win season since 1993.

We analyze the Indiana-Penn State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Indiana at Penn State: Three things you need to know

1. Indiana has quietly rolled up seven victories, with their two losses a 51-10 setback to Ohio State on Sept. 14 and a 40-31 loss at Michigan State on Sept. 28. The Hoosiers have won four in a row and are 5-1 against the spread in their last six.

2. Hoosiers RB Stevie Scott III is one of the most underrated runners in the Big Ten, racking up 737 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. Penn State WR KJ Hamler of Penn State has 739 receiving yards and eight scores to lead the Lions.

3. Penn State ranks 13th in the country at 300.0 yards per game allowed, with its rushing defense (74.2 yards per game) ranking third. And the Lions’ scoring defense (12.0 points per game) is fifth in the nation.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Indiana at Penn State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penn State 31, Indiana 24

Moneyline (ML)

Penn State (-834) is going to bounce back and return to the win column. However, it won’t be a rout, and the Nittany Lions are certainly not worth putting up more than eight times the return. If anything, Indiana (+440) would be worth a small-unit bet to more than quadruple your lettuce.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Penn State to win would return a profit of $1.20.

Against the Spread (ATS)

INDIANA (+14.5, -115) is a sharp play catching more than two touchdowns in this one. If you were to tease it up and combine it with a handful of other games, even better. It will be interesting to see how Penn State (-14.5, -106) rebounds. Its defense was bludgeoned by a team which wasn’t getting very much respect in Minnesota. Now against the Hoosiers, that sounds all too familiar.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (54.5) is going to be super close. Avoid playing the O/U in this one, as Vegas has this right and the game will come in right around the projected total.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1623]