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The Northwestern Wildcats (2-2) are in action on Saturday at 12:00 PM ET at Ryan Field against the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0).
The Nittany Lions are expected to win by at least two touchdowns (currently -25.5) against the Wildcats. The over/under for this matchup is 46 points.
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Game Info for Penn State vs. Northwestern
- Game Day: Saturday, September 30, 2023
- Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: BTN
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
- Stadium: Ryan Field
| Favorite | Spread | Favorite Spread Odds | Underdog Spread Odds | Total | Over Total Odds | Under Total Odds | Favorite Moneyline | Underdog Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | -25.5 | -110 | -110 | 46 | -110 | -110 | -3846 | +1517 |
Penn State Pick Insights
- Penn State has compiled a perfect 3-0-0 record against the spread this season.
- Penn State has combined with its opponent to hit the over in one of three games with a set total (33.3%).
Penn State Stats & Insights
- On the defensive side of the ball, Penn State has been a top-25 unit, ranking best by surrendering just 219.5 yards per game. The offense ranks 33rd (449.8 yards per game).
- Penn State has been thriving on both offense and defense, ranking 15th-best in scoring offense (40.5 points per game) and fourth-best in scoring defense (8.8 points allowed per game).
- Penn State has the 66th-ranked offense this season in terms of passing yards (239.8 passing yards per game), and has been more effective on defense, ranking second-best with only 142 passing yards allowed per game.
- Penn State has been thriving on both sides of the ball in the running game, ranking 19th-best in rushing offense (210 rushing yards per game) and 10th-best in rushing defense (77.5 rushing yards allowed per game).
- On defense, Penn State has been a top-25 unit in terms of third-down efficiency, ranking seventh-best by giving up a 26% third-down percentage. The team’s offense ranks 48th (44.3% third-down conversion rate).
- Penn State has forced 11 total turnovers (second in the FBS) this season and have turned it over zero times (first in the FBS) for a turnover margin of +11, the best in college football.
Penn State’s Best Players
- Drew Allar has 903 passing yards for Penn State, completing 67.2% of his passes and throwing eight touchdowns this season. He’s also helped out on the ground with 74 rushing yards (18.5 ypg) on 23 carries with one rushing touchdown.
- Kaytron Allen has carried the ball 63 times for a team-high 280 yards on the ground and has found the end zone two times as a runner.
- Nicholas Singleton has been handed the ball 53 times this year and racked up 203 yards (50.8 per game) with five touchdowns. He’s also contributed in the passing game with seven grabs for 72 yards
- KeAndre Lambert-Smith has hauled in 21 receptions for 286 yards (71.5 yards per game) to lead the team so far this season. He’s found the end zone three times as a receiver.
- Harrison Wallace III has hauled in 10 receptions totaling 98 yards so far this campaign.
- Tyler Warren has hauled in 12 receptions for 90 yards, an average of 22.5 yards per game. He’s scored four times as a receiver this season.
- Coziah Izzard has racked up two sacks to lead the team, while also picking up two TFL and three tackles.
- Curtis Jacobs is the team’s leading tackler this year. He’s racked up 14 tackles, two TFL, and one sack.
- John Dixon leads the team with one interception, while also recording five tackles and one pass defended.
Northwestern Betting Insights
- Northwestern is 2-2-0 against the spread this year.
- In Northwestern’s four games with a set total, three have hit the over (75%).
Northwestern Pick Insights
- In terms of total offense, Northwestern ranks 100th in the FBS (337.8 total yards per game) and 77th on defense (372 total yards allowed per contest).
- From an offensive standpoint, Northwestern is posting 24 points per contest (89th-ranked). It ranks 77th in the FBS on the other side of the ball (25.8 points surrendered per game).
- Northwestern ranks 66th in the FBS with 239.8 passing yards per contest on offense, and it ranks 33rd with 187.5 passing yards given up per contest on defense.
- Northwestern has lots of room to get better in the running game, as it ranks 13th-worst in rushing yards per game (98) and 21st-worst in rushing yards allowed per game (184.5).
- In terms of third-down efficiency, Northwestern ranks 28th in the FBS (47.5% third-down conversion rate) and 46th on the other side of the ball (35.8% third-down rate allowed).
- Northwestern has recorded four forced turnovers (97th in the FBS) and committed four turnovers (30th in the FBS) this season for a 0 turnover margin that ranks 67th in the FBS.
Northwestern’s Best Players
- Ben Bryant leads Northwestern with 804 yards on 81-of-136 passing with six touchdowns compared to three interceptions this season.
- Cam Porter has rushed 49 times for 203 yards, with one touchdown.
- A.J. Henning has run for 76 yards across 12 carries, scoring one touchdown. He’s chipped in with 16 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
- Bryce Kirtz’s 274 receiving yards (68.5 yards per game) lead the team. He has 17 receptions on 26 targets with two touchdowns.
- Cam Johnson has 16 receptions (on 32 targets) for a total of 176 yards (44 yards per game) this year.
- Joseph Himon II’s six catches (on eight targets) have netted him 122 yards (30.5 ypg) and one touchdown.
- Anto Saka paces the team with two sacks, and also has two TFL and five tackles.
- Bryce Gallagher is the team’s top-tackler this year. He’s picked up 36 tackles, one TFL, and one interception.
- Xander Mueller leads the team with one interception, while also recording 21 tackles, two TFL, 1.5 sacks, and one pass defended.
