College Football ATS Picks - Georgia State at Penn State Game Preview

If there’s one thing positive in the corner of the Georgia State Panthers heading into Saturday’s tilt with the Penn State Nittany Lions, it’s that they will have had two-plus weeks to prepare for it. That’s where the positives end! James Franklin has got his kids locked in at the moment, and they likely won’t be letting off the gas in this one should the game get away from the Panthers. PSU is way too deep for this Sun Belt rep to run with, and that will immediately show once this slaughter kicks off in front of a lathered up Happy Valley contingent.

This matchup in Week 3 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Beaver Stadium. This game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.

College Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu

Georgia State +38.5
Penn State -38.5
O/U 53.5

Odds Analysis

Unlike last week’s matchup with PITT, the line for this tilt with Georgia State has seen no movement whatsoever. An interesting tidbit when you take into account their season opener versus Akron moving against them, and last week’s tilt moving with them. PSU easily covered in Week 1, but failed to overcome the steam against the Panthers. Though 76 percent of the betting handle is siding with the Big Ten, it’s likely public money with sharps yet to make their voices heard.

With all that money coming in on the Nittany Lions, it hardly comes off as surprising to see the total jump up to 54.5 from the 53.5-point opener. If Penn State is to cover this chalky offering, they’re going to have to score some points, right? Squaresville!

Player to Watch

Is there seriously anyone else to watch than Saquon Barkley when it comes to Penn State football right now? Trace McSorley would beg to differ, but come on, it’s Barkley that is currently the Heisman hopeful and not the offense’s QB1. The Junior has once again proven to be a dual threat rushing for 260 yards on only 28 carries, and reeling in seven receptions and turning them into 99 yards. He’s averaging a robust 9.3 yards per carry, while gashing opposing defenses for 14.1 yards per reception. Combined, he’s scored four touchdowns and will be looking for more against an overmatched Panthers defense. Currently, only Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Sam Darnold have shorter odds to win the 2017-18 Heisman Trophy. Notice he’s the only non-quarterback of the bunch.

Look-Ahead Situation

Penn State’s Big Ten schedule picks up next week in Iowa City where the squad will be out to secure the program’s fourth straight win and cover against the Hawkeyes. With bigger fish to fry upcoming, it can be argued that the Nittany Lions will naturally let their guard down and coast to the win against lesser Georgia State. Since Franklin took over the program, the Nittany Lions are 3-0 straight up but just 1-2 against the spread in the game played before the B1G schedule kicks off. One of those pointspread defeats came as 17-point favorites against Buffalo whom they only defeated 27-14. That said, this year’s team looks to have that killer instinct evidenced by the woodshed beating administered to Akron Week 1 in a similarly lined game.

Free ATS Pick

I don’t care how much time Georgia State has had to prepare for this matchup. I also don’t care how experienced the team truly is. Yes, some improvement is expected but the talent discrepancy between these two programs is gargantuan, and it will show immediately once the ball is put into play. The Panthers surrendered 238 rushing yards and a 5.7 yard per carry average to FCS rep Tennessee State in their season opener. McSorley and Barkley are going to do a number on this unit before ultimately being sat on the bench for a majority of the second half. If and when they depart, PSU’s depth will step to the forefront and put the game away. The Nittany Lions have been installed chalk of this magnitude only twice dating back to 1998. They covered both games with ease and gave up a total of three points. I expect a similar outcome to play out on Saturday night.

College Football Odds: Nittany Lions 50, Panthers 0

BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!