Central Michigan vs. Penn State Odds, Picks, and Predictions (09/24/2022)

Coming into week 4, a red hot Penn State Nittany Lions team will be facing a Central Michigan Chippewas team coming into town.  Penn State is coming off a massive win at Auburn where they were able to dominate the Tigers 41-12.  Central Michigan just had a dominant shutout win against Bucknell 41-0, although prior to that they lost their first two games of the season and are now entering this game with a 1-2 record.  One of those losses however did come to a top-10 team in Oklahoma State and they were able to keep it close and match offensively in a 58-44 loss.  Penn State was able to get up to No.14 in the AP poll after their last win and they want to keep their winning streak going before entering Big Ten play.  Let’s break into this game’s matchup picks and predictions.

Central Michigan vs. Penn State Betting Odds


Penn State is entering this game as heavy, heavy favorites and that should be little surprise.  After a dominant win at a traditional SEC powerhouse stadium, many oddsmakers don’t believe Central Michigan of the MAC should be any issue for the Nittany Lions.  They are currently -10000 favorites to win the game.  Penn State is also entering the game at -26.5 spread line favorites.  That’s an important line to remember as Central Michigan only lost by 14 points to a team that outranks Penn State in Oklahoma State.  Penn State’s offense however has proven to be an explosive weapon so far this year in the running and passing game.  Sixth year QB Sean Clifford has had no problem finding receivers in the endzone and the running back tandem of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen has also been great to start the 2022 season.

The over/under is currency placed at 62.5 and both these teams have both shown their ability to score in bunches in their first three games.  Neither of them have put up less than 20 points so far and the only time either of them put up less than 30 was in Central Michigan’s 38-24 loss to South Alabama.

Central Michigan vs. Penn State Picks & Predictions


My pick: Central Michigan +27 (-108)

I think Penn State is able to get a comfortable win on Saturday but I think Central Michigan will be able to cover the 27 point spread placed on them.  After keeping it to two touchdowns with Oklahoma State I think they should be able to do around the same with Penn State.  QB Daniel Richardson has gotten off to a strong start with 7 TDs and 887 passing yards and I think he will keep the Chippewa offense in play with Penn State.  RB Lew Nichols II has been a strong running back for the team as well racking up 5 rushing TDs so far.  Central Michigan finished with nine wins last year and near the top of the MAC.  With a 1-2 start, they are in desperation to play competitively before entering conference play and I expect them to do just that in this game.  They have played well so far this season with the only hiccup against South Alabama.  They were able to bounce back in their blowout win over Bucknell.

The over at 62.5 could definitely be in play as well and something I like especially with how these two offenses have performed.  My only question would be if Central Michigan can offensively match a Big Ten defense in Penn State.  They were able to match Oklahoma State, but the Big 12 has been known in the past several years for their offense before their defense.

Central Michigan vs Penn State Key Matchups

Will this Central Michigan defense be able to slow down Nicholas Singleton? Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Central Michigan vs Penn State below.

Nicholas Singleton vs. Central Michigan defense

Nicholas Singleton had a dominant running performance at Auburn where he was able to go for 2 TDs and 124 rushing yards.  He has had a great start to the season and he has a good chance to pick up more statistics at home against Central Michigan.  Central Michigan will need to do a good job at containing him and force them to go more in the air to take the running game if they want to stop Penn State from scoring big.  Their defense is led by leading tackler Kyle Moretti with 18 tackles.  They did not show the ability to stop scoring in their first two games letting up 58 and 38 points.  They bounced back with a defensive shutout, so if they can grow off that momentum they may have a fighting chance.

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Jack is a Hoosier by birth and Hoosier by alum. Full of hot takes but sharper predictions. Residing now in the Chicago area. When he's not chowing down on deep dish pizza and Italian beef, he's watching and betting sports. Junkie for everything CBB, NBA, NFL, CFB, and MLB. Here to feed you a system to follow that might even be better than the one Tom Brady was gifted his whole career.

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