Hear the Nittany Lions Roar in Big Ten Opener

The Big Ten schedule finally kicks off this weekend – and with only conference showdowns on each team’s eight-game docket, there’s no room for mistakes as the Penn State Nittany Lions visit the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday. Penn State is nationally ranked despite having not played yet and is a comfortable favorite against a Hoosiers team that has just one win in the series.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Nittany Lions started on one side of the magic number at -7.5 but can now be found primarily on the other side at -6.5. The total of 56.5 has risen a half-point in some locations.

Penn State News & Notes

The path to the Big Ten East championship and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff still runs through Ohio State, but this might be the Nittany Lions’ best shot at challenging the powerhouse Buckeyes. Penn State returns a wealth of talent on both sides of the football, including four starting offensive linemen from a unit that boasted the fifth-lowest running back stuff rate in college.

All eyes will be on junior quarterback Sean Clifford, who looks to take the next step forward after throwing for more than 2,600 yards with 23 touchdowns and only seven interceptions last season. Who helps him get there is a mystery, however, with only one returning wide receiver (Jahan Dotson) having recorded more than 12 career receptions at the collegiate level.

Indiana News & Notes

Coming off their first eight-win campaign since 1993, the Hoosiers and their fans have high hopes for 2020 – and they have a trio of returning offensive players that will help bolster their chances of a repeat performance. QB Michael Penix is among the most notable returnees, coming off a 1,084-yard, 10-touchdown season despite appearing in just six games due to injury.

He’ll be joined by standout running back Stevie Scott, who failed to top his sensational 2018 season but still finished with 857 rushing yards and 10 scores and will see multiple starters return on the offensive line. Daily fantasy players might also want to consider rostering WR Whop Philyor this week; he had 1,002 yards and five scores on 70 receptions last season.

Betting Pick: Penn State -6.5 (-110)

There’s no room for messing around in the shortened Big Ten campaign – and with the Nittany Lions carrying legitimate CFP aspirations, bettors can expect them to come out and make an immediate statement against the rival Hoosiers.