Caleb Wilfinger
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Penn State’s 2021 season started off with a ton of promise. The Nittany Lions were ranked top-5 in the nation before Sean Clifford went down in a loss to Iowa. Clifford and his team were never the same from that point on. Penn State dropped 6 of its remaining 8 games en route to a second straight disappointing season in Happy Valley. However, there is plenty of talent returning and the schedule is more favorable than it was a season ago. Are the Nittany Lions now undervalued in the betting market following last season’s disappointment?
With the 2022 college football campaign beginning later this month, it’s time to take a look at what this season could have in store for Penn State.
Jared Smith has a HUGE 3-unit futures play for the upcoming college football season
Penn State Nittany Lions 2022 college football season odds
Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Penn State National Championship odds
Penn State comes in at +10000 to win the College Football Playoff. That checks in alongside Baylor and Ole Miss.
Penn State Big Ten Championship odds
The Penn State are +1600 to win the Big Ten title, checking in just behind Wisconsin in the odds.
Penn State Big Ten East odds
Penn State is projected to finish 3rd in the Big Ten East, with odds of +950 to win the division.
Read our College Football National Championship preview, including a +8000 longshot
Penn State 2021 season recap
James Franklin’s group got off to a torrid start in 2021, largely in part to their stout defense. Penn State held each of its first 5 opponents to 20 points or less, surrendering a total of just 60 points in 5 games. But that momentum came to a screeching halt against Iowa, as Penn State blew a 2-touchdown lead following Sean Clifford’s exit due to injury. The downward slide would commence from there, as the Nittany Lions dropped 4 of their next 6 games to finish 7-5. Top it off with a bowl game loss to Arkansas, and there wasn’t much enthusiasm coming out of the program last January. However, the Clifford injury coupled with a rash of injuries on defense is a fair excuse for why the campaign was derailed. Now, what’s important is how the Nittany Lions will respond to last year’s disappointment.
Penn State 2022 college football season predictions
After losing talent to the transfer portal and NFL Draft, Penn State upgraded its offense in the offseason. The Nittany Lions had to find a replacement for Jahan Dotson, and the addition of Mitchell Tinsley should boost the wide receiving corps immediately. Tinsley and Parker Washington give Penn State a solid 1-2 punch at receiver, while Brenton Strange should emerge as a dynamic tight end. On the defensive side of the ball, the Nittany Lions still have a veteran-laden group. PJ Mustipher should lead the way in the trenches, while Joey Porter Jr. and Jonathan Sutherland lead the secondary.
Penn State’s biggest issue in 2021 was the lack of a decent running game. While that still could plague the Nittany Lions in 2022 (especially against a team like Michigan), Keyvone Lee showed flashes of brilliance in 2021. Overall, the offense will need to shine in big spots this season if the Nittany Lions are to have success. But while a Big Ten championship likely isn’t in the cards, don’t be surprised if Penn State bounces back nicely this fall.
Best Bet: Penn State over 8.5 total wins (+105)
For my best bet, I’ll be backing Penn State to clear their total of 8.5 wins. The Nittany Lions’ last few seasons have not gone to plan, but this program has shown that it can consistently churn out 9-3 seasons under Franklin. Hence why I was a little surprised to see that I could get plus money on backing this over. Penn State’s running game should be revitalized after an awful showing in 2021, and Sean Clifford should play well in his final season under center. More importantly, the schedule isn’t daunting.
If the Nittany Lions can get past early tests at Purdue and Auburn, they should be undefeated heading into a date with Michigan. Assuming Penn State drops games to Michigan and Ohio State in October, the Nittany Lions would still need to lose to Michigan State and either Maryland, Indiana or Rutgers. Even if things don’t go according to plan, 8 wins seems like the absolute floor for this team. I like getting this price and I’ll grab the over while I still can.
Who could be this season’s Cincinnati? Read our non-Power 5 conference dark horses
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