Penn State vs. West Virginia Odds & Betting Predictions - August 31, 2024

Greene was over in 8/11 full starts last season, including 71 vs PSU. Was able to avoid sacks behind a strong O Line (third fewest sacks allowed). PSU did record the most sacks last season, but they did graduate two of their leaders (Isaac and Robinson). Greene averaged about 10 non-sack rushes per game at 7 YPC. Even factoring 2 sacks to stay conservative, I have him closer to 55 yards.

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice West Virginia is set to carry over the momentum from their impressive 2023 campaign into this season, making them a formidable underdog against Penn State in this matchup. Last year, the Mountaineers defied expectations by finishing 9-4 overall and 6-3 in Big 12 play, a significant achievement considering the pressure on head coach Neal Brown. This success was capped off with a dominant 30-10 victory over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and the team returns key players that could make them a tough challenge for any opponent. Garrett Greene, the returning quarterback, is a dual-threat capable of both airing it out and making plays with his legs, having amassed 2,406 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 772 rushing yards with 13 scores on the ground last season. This versatility in the quarterback position will be crucial against a Penn State defense that is known for its stoutness. The Mountaineers also boast a strong ground game with CJ Donaldson, who racked up 798 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, and Jahiem White, the team’s leading rusher from last year with 842 yards. Their ability to control the clock and wear down defenses with their rushing attack will be a key factor in staying within the spread. Defensively, West Virginia's strength lies in their pass rush, led by Sean Martin, who spearheaded a unit that topped the Big 12 in sacks. While the loss of linebacker Lee Kpogba is significant, Ben Cutter is expected to step up and fill that void effectively. The secondary, anchored by Aubrey Burks and Anthony Wilson, should be solid enough to challenge Penn State’s passing game, which is still finding its rhythm under new quarterback Drew Allar. Milan Puskar Stadium has historically been a fortress for the Mountaineers in non-conference play, with the team winning their last 22 home games against such opponents. Moreover, West Virginia has covered the spread in eight of their last nine non-conference home games, further emphasizing their strength in these matchups. The Mountaineers’ strong home field advantage, combined with the optimism following last season’s success, makes them a dangerous underdog, particularly against a Penn State team that, while talented, might take some time to hit full stride this season. Taking West Virginia with the points is a solid play here, as the Mountaineers are more than capable of keeping this game close, if not pulling off the outright upset.

A lot of hype for a little points