The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) are no longer undefeated after last week's loss to Ohio State. However, they now have an opportunity to get back on track as they host the Washington Huskies (5-4, 3-3).
Washington has had an up-and-down season, and it enters this matchup 5-4 on the year.
Last week, it snapped a 2-game skid with a 26-21 win over USC, but now it must travel across the country and try to string wins together, which has been difficult in the Big Ten.
So, will Penn State bounce back in a big way, or will the Huskies build on their momentum? Find out as I make my Washington vs Penn State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, November 9.
Washington vs Penn State Odds
| Washington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13.5 -110 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Penn State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13.5 -110 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
- Washington vs. Penn State Spread: Penn State -13.5, Washington +13.5
- Washington vs. Penn State Over/Under: 47 Total Points
- Washington vs. Penn State Moneyline: Penn State ML -550, Washington ML +400
Washington Huskies vs Penn State Nittany Lions Picks and Predictions
Prediction
My Washington-Penn State best bet is on the over, with the best line currently available at Caesars, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Moneyline
I'll pass on any moneyline wagers.
Against the Spread
I'm not betting on either side ATS.
Over/Under
Washington vs. Penn State Pick: Over 47
Washington Huskies vs Penn State Nittany Lions College Football Preview
Why Washington Can Win
The Washington Huskies are a pass-first offensem and we will likely see them lean even more on Will Rogers's arm in this one.
Running the ball on Penn State has not been easy this season, as it ranks 17th in yards per rush allowed and sixth in Rush Success Rate allowed.
An edge in the trenches will compound this stout run defense, as the Nittany Lions' front can match the Huskies' solid offensive line. Penn State actually outranks the Huskies 3 to 10 in Line Yards on this side of the ball.
However, the Huskies' run game can't be entirely discredited. They rank 15th in Rush Success Rate and we saw Ohio State have plenty of success on the ground against them last week.
Any contribution on the ground will only aid Rogers and the Huskies' receiving corps. Penn State's secondary is excellent; it ranks 13th in PFF's coverage grading and 12th in yards per pass allowed.
Washington's passing attack has been sneakily elite. It ranks fifth in completion percentage and 26th in yards per pass, which has culminated into a rank of 17 in Pass Success Rate.
Why Penn State Can Win
On the other side, it's not so evenly matched between the two units when Penn State is in possession. Like the Huskies, the Nittany Lions also keep the ball primarily in the hands of their playmakers.
The running back tandem of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton has led Penn State to the 14th-best ground game in terms of Rush Success Rate. The Nittany Lions' dynamic duo should lead the way here, as the Huskies have struggled against the run this season.
The Huskies rank 92nd in Rush Success Rate allowed and will not get much push against the offensive line as they are outranked 22 to 92 in Line Yards.
However, Penn State's success on the ground has typically opened things up for quarterback Drew Allar through the air, and he'll need that to be the case here as Washington's secondary is stout.
Washington is the country's No. 1 defense in terms of Pass Success Rate allowed while ranking 10th in PFF coverage grades. Look for Penn State to soften up the Huskies with a heavy run scheme early before picking up chunk plays through the air.
Penn State vs. Washington Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Penn State and Washington match up statistically:
Washington Offense vs. Penn State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 15 | 6 | |
| Line Yards | 10 | 3 | |
| Pass Success | 17 | 29 | |
| Havoc | 36 | 15 | |
| Finishing Drives | 110 | 12 | |
| Quality Drives | 39 | 26 | |
Penn State Offense vs. Washington Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 14 | 92 | |
| Line Yards | 22 | 92 | |
| Pass Success | 3 | 1 |  |
| Havoc | 5 | 78 | |
| Finishing Drives | 20 | 46 | |
| Quality Drives | 17 | 44 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 1 | 30 |
| PFF Coverage | 10 | 13 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 131 | 75 |
| Middle 8 | 69 | 21 |
| Seconds per Play | 27.4 (74) | 29.4 (115) |
| Rush Rate | 48% (108) | 59% (30) |
How To Make College Football Picks For My Washington vs. Penn State Prediction
While both defenses appear to be the strongest units in this matchup, the total has risen since opening at 45.5.
I agree with the move up, as the Nittany Lions will put points on the board. Their ground game will face little resistance before Allar can strike through the air efficiently.
However, Washington is poised to fire back with its passing attack. This should lead to a higher-scoring affair that bucks the trend of two teams that are a combined 4-13 to the over this year.
Pick: Over 47 (-110, Caesars)
Washington vs. Penn State Channel, Streaming, How to Watch, Location, Start Time
| Location: | Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA |
| Date: | Saturday, Nov. 9 |
| Kickoff Time: | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Peacock |
Washington heads to Happy Valley on Saturday, Nov. 9 to face Penn State at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Penn State vs Washington Betting Trends
- 55% of bets and 64% of the money are on Penn State to cover the spread
- 96% of bets and 100% of the money are on the over
Betting trends via our live, updating NCAAF public betting & money percentages page.
Penn State vs Washington Weather
