The Villanova Wildcats (3-0) take on No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0) Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET at Beaver Stadium. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. Penn State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The Wildcats will enter as heavy underdogs despite being 3-0. Villanova scored 102 points and gave up just 6 over its first two games. The Wildcats then topped Richmond 34-27 last week. ‘Nova went 2-2 last season.
The Nittany Lions have two one-score wins against top-25 opponents. QB Sean Clifford passed for at least 230 yards in all three games.
Villanova 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 at 9:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Villanova +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Penn State -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +29.5 (-108) | Penn State -29.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Villanova at Penn State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penn State 45, Villanova 20
Money line
PASS on the money line.
No one should ever be betting 15 times the potential return. College football upsets happen, and while this shouldn’t be one, the money line just isn’t worth it.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to VILLANOVA +29.5 (-108) as it has played solid football this season.
While Penn State has moved the ball with Clifford, its strength has been defense. The Nittany Lions gave up 20 or fewer points in all three games.
They managed a 31-point thrashing of Ball State two weeks ago, but that team was crushed by Wyoming. I expect Penn State to have control, but a 30-point win is unlikely.
‘Nova QB Daniel Smith had 2 or more touchdowns in each game this season. He can move the ball and threw for 350 yards against Richmond. He should be able to manage a few successful drives.
Over/Under
BET the OVER 53.5 (-108) as Penn State should be put up points.
Penn State put up 44 points against its only unranked opponent. If it can get into the 40s, this game should bounce over 53 points. ‘Nova has a competent offense, and we’ll see if it’s actually the real deal against an elite defense.
Again, Penn State should take care of business, but if Smith and company can put together two touchdowns, this Over should hit.
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