#8 Penn State has high hopes for the 2024 season, which gets underway in a traditionally tough place to play in Morgantown against West Virginia. PSU was 9-4 in 2023, but so were the Mountaineers in their most successful season in Neal Brown’s tenure that began in 2019.
Before Betting on Week 1 Penn State vs West Virginia
These two teams met in last year’s season opener, with Penn State picking up a 38-15 win in Happy Valley which even covered the -21 point spread. Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar made his first college start in that game, going 21/29 for 325 yards with 3 TDs and 0 INT.
Allar was stellar in his sophomore year throwing 25 TDs to just 2 INTs and he should be just as dialed in for 2024 even though Penn State has brought in a new offensive coordinator.
Even though Allar can light things up through the air, Saturday’s game is going to come down to the trenches. West Virginia had the #5 rushing offense in the nation last year (228.9) but that plays into PSU’s strength as they had the second best run defense (75.5) and #2 overall defense in the country (247.6).
Nittany Lions vs Mountaineers Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Point Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | PSU (1.33) | WVU (3.50) | 51.5 |
PSU -8.5 (1.95) | WVU +8.5 (1.87) |
| MyBookie | PSU (1.30) | WVU (3.55) | 51 | PSU -8 (1.91) | WVU +8 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | PSU (1.33) | WVU (3.50) | 51.5 | PSU -8.5 (1.95) | WVU +8.5 (1.87) |
| XBet | PSU (1.30) | WVU (3.55) | 51 | PSU -8 (1.91) | WVU +8 (1.91) |
Week 1 Penn State vs West Virginia Prediction & Pick
Penn State is more optimistic about their expanded playoff chances for 2024, but going into Morgantown for the opener is still a tough task. Penn State has the more versatile offense, but WVU’s offensive line is one of the best in the Big 12 as is their defensive secondary. This looks like a one score game.
Pick: West Virginia +8.5
-
Tags:
