Maybe the numbers don’t matter
Maybe you’re just happy to have Penn State football back in your life. Happy to have those blue and white jerseys on the field and those single-stripe helmets shimmering in the sun. Maybe it’s not about the college football betting action for you.
But for others, it always is.
And the point spread for Penn State’s Big 10 return against Indiana on Saturday in Bloomington provides some interesting choices.
Doesn’t it always?
Let’s take a quick look at some of the odds and available wagers at PA sports betting apps to get you ready for the return of Penn State and the rest of Saturday’s college football slate.
Fox Bet has Penn State favored by 6.5 points Saturday
Most Pennsylvania sportsbooks have installed the Nittany Lions as a 6.5-point favorite in the 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 surface, it’s not much of a difference. And of course, it does carry additional risk. Penn State would have to win by eight points rather than a single touchdown (and extra point) for you to cash your wager. But successful bettors often make subtle moves like that to increase their return. They find extra value in the margins and sometimes gain better odds by adjusting their approach.
With Fox Bet offering dozens of wagers for Penn State’s season opener, there is plenty to consider.
Penn State has only lost once to Indiana in the series
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 has an all-time record of 1-22 against Penn State. 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.
Temple takes on Memphis at noon on Saturday
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 Sports 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.
Other noteworthy games on Saturday include Pitt (+10.5) hosting Notre Dame and a nationally televised night game for the Big Ten featuring No. 18 Michigan (-3.5) and No. 21 Minnesota. And for those building parlay bets, the region’s sportsbooks have odds and pricing already posted for the entire Saturday football schedule.
But here in the Keystone State, many eyes will be on the Nittany Lions. A season shrouded in uncertainty will finally begin.
The blue and white jerseys will be back on the field. The single-stripe helmets will be shimmering in the sun.
Penn State football is back.
The sights — and the action — that escaped us for so long will finally be out there in plain sight, ready for us all to enjoy.
Upcoming college football odds at PA sportsbooks
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
