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Penn State odds to win the 2009 Big 10 Conference were listed at +150 at SBG Global. Ohio State was only a slightly bigger favorite over Penn at +135 odds. The payout would be $150 for every $100 bet.
Marc Lawrence's Playbook points out that the Nittany Lions were hit hard with player losses, especially in the backfield where they lost all four starters.
Scout.com believes the Lions will already be loaded with new talent heading into 2009:
The talent level remains ridiculously high with new stars about to replace the old ones. Gone are Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood from the receiving corps, and up will step 6-5 Derek Moye and Derrick Williams The Sequel, Chaz Powell. Gone is pass rushing terror Aaron Maybin, and in comes Jack Crawford. While there will be problems in the secondary and Kelly will be missed from the kicking game, the new starters are good enough to keep the production rolling, while there are some major positives to keep things on an even keel. The backfield is loaded, led by Big Ten Player of the Year candidate Daryll Clark at quarterback and potential top five overall pick Evan Royster at running back. The linebacking corps goes from being a major question mark before last year to one of the best in the nation thanks to the return of Sean Lee from a knee injury and with Navorro Bowman an All-American who'll do even more. The schedule is beyond manageable, there's as much overall speed and athleticism as the program has had in years, and the potential problems really aren't that awful. It's all in place for yet another big run and another great year for Paterno. Enjoy it while it lasts, and while you're at it, ask Michigan how much fun it is for a mega-power to go through a change.
Links and References:
Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
