At the beginning of the 2023 season, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown was in one of the hottest seats in the land. But Brown not only survived but thrived with a 9-4 season that ended with a Duke May Bowl win. Although Brown is back, he should not get too comfortable. West Virginia fans remain undecided whether Brown is the long-term answer for West Virginia. However, Brown has a profound NCAA Football Betting opportunity to win over Mountaineer Nation. If West Virginia can beat Penn State at Mountaineer Field, Brown will become a hero.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, Noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, WV. |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | -8½ -110 | 51½ -110 | -315 |  |
| West Virginia | +8½ -110 | 51½ -110 | +255 | |
| ||||
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Overview
Penn State has been close but also unable to earn a trip to the CFB Playoff since its inception. The expanded 12-team version should benefit coach James Franklin’s program. Especially after Penn State finished No. 13 or higher in the rankings five times since ’16.
The Nittany Lions will aim higher to knock off Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon from Big Ten supremacy. To show, improving the offense is priority No. 1. New play-caller Andy Kotelnicki arrives after coordinating one of the Big 12’s top offenses at Kansas and is tasked with jumpstarting the unit. Last year, Penn State managed only 5.1 yards per play in Big Ten action.
Quarterback Drew Allar (25 TDs to two interceptions) has potential. However, he struggled in high-profile showdowns against Michigan and Ohio State. More weapons at receiver would help Allar’s development. But this unit is the biggest offshore bookmaker concern for ’24.
West Virginia Mountaineers Team Overview
Nine wins were a big step for head coach Neal Brown and West Virginia in 2023. Next on the list is to contend for a Big 12 championship. With an influx of transfers on defense and a ton of returning production on offense, the Mountaineers seem well-positioned in the new 16-team Big 12.
Quarterback Garrett Greene could be one of college football’s top quarterbacks. Also, the backfield is stocked with options to lead a powerful ground game. If the defense takes a step forward, exceeding last year’s win total is within reach for the Mountaineers.
Last year, West Virginia established an identity as a ground-and-pound offense. The Mountaineers led the Big 12 in rushing and ranked fourth nationally. True freshman Jahiem White ran for 842 yards and four touchdowns, while CJ Donaldson Jr. rushed for 798 yards and 11 scores.
Overall, in his first season as a starter, quarterback Garrett Greene threw for 2,406 yards and 16 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Also, he ran for 772 yards and 13 more scores.
WVU added Oklahoma State transfer Jaden Bray to a wide receiver room that far exceeded expectations in 2023. Former walk-on Hudson Clement earned a scholarship after the second game of the season. Also back are Traylon Ray, Rodney Gallagher III, and Preston Fox. Kole Taylor returns for a second season at tight end.
Additionally, the Mountaineers made big strides on defense last season. West Virginia finished in the top half of the league in both total yards and points allowed. However, depth was a big issue, so the WVU coaching staff hit the transfer portal hard this winter.
Penn State at West Virginia SBG Free Picks
In this situation, West Virginia is a dangerous NCAA Football Betting home dog.
Penn State at West Virginia SBG Best Bet: Penn State Nittany Lions.