Two top-20 offenses are set to light up the Fiesta Bowl when the Penn State Nittany Lions and Washington Huskies clash. Aside from both teams averaging over 36 points per game through the season, Penn State and Washington have had a tendency to go OVER – with the programs going a combined 9-2 since Week 8.
- Washington RB Myles Gaskin has rushed for 656 yards and 11 TDs in the last 5 games.
- Washington is 4-0 SU in its last 4 games against the Big Ten.
- Penn State is 16-4-1 ATS in its last 21 games.
Penn State’s marquee player is Saquon Barkley, who is still one of the most explosive players in the sport even with his Heisman hopes becoming dashed. The running back is averaging seven yards per touch on offense, including 12.6 yards per catch. As Barkley has seen his numbers decline over time, quarterback Trace McSorley has picked up the slack, completing 68.9 percent of his passes with 7 TDS and 0 INTs in the past 3.
Washington’s offense consists of the big three of Jake Browning, Myles Gaskin and Dante Pettis. Though Browning gets most of the headlines – deservedly so – Gaskin is one of the most underrated running backs in the nation with the senior rushing for 1,282 yards and a career-high 19 TDs this season. Pettis is an explosive play waiting to happen, as he is the nation’s top punt returner and the Huskies’ leading receiver. However, Pettis left the Apple Cup with an apparent leg injury and his status is up in the air.
There are a few things playing against the offenses in this one. First, both teams are in the top 10 in the nation in points allowed. Second, both Penn State and Washington watched their offensive coordinators take head coaching jobs and will be replacing them for this contest.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Penn State Nittany Lions pegged as 4.5-point favorites in this matchup. The total, meanwhile, had yet to be posted as of writing. Check the lines shortly.
OddsShark prediction models picked the Huskies to win this game on Saturday 35-33. Check the picks page or matchup report during the week as factors may cause that prediction to be re-run. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
Washington Huskies vs Penn State Nittany Lions Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Penn State battles the Washington Huskies, currently with a 10-2 mark (7-5 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals betting, are 6-6 for the Nittany Lions and 6-6 for the Huskies. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Penn State vs Washington injuries news.
According to the Power Rankings here at OddsShark it's the No. 3-rated Nittany Lions and the No. 7-rated Huskies in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Penn State's No. 7-ranked offense, averaging 41.58 PPG, against a Washington defense that ranks No. 6 this week at 14.5 PPG. The Penn State aerial game is averaging 285.83 yards per game, more than the Washington secondary allows through the air, 185.08 YPG per game.
In comparing defenses, the Huskies own the league's No. 16-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 119.2 yards per game when on the road. Penn State, on the other hand, rates No. 74 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Myles Gaskin ran through the Washington State defense for 192 yards in Washington's last game, handing the Cougars a 41-14 setback on Saturday at Husky Stadium.
Tommy Stevens tore up the turf for 113 rushing yards in the latest Nittany Lions game, a 66-3 win over the Terrapins at Maryland Stadium.
