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When it comes to regular season wins betting predictions in 2014, Penn State certainly has value priced at -125 on the OVER 7.5 at Bookmaker.
That’s because a 9-3 or every 10-2 wins season is doable.
AthlonSports.com’s Steven Lassen writes of the Nittany Lions:
By no means was 2013 a bad season for Penn State. The Nittany Lions were still dealing with NCAA sanctions and had no possibility of a bowl. However, Penn State managed to finish 7-5 with a true freshman at quarterback and closed the year by defeating Wisconsin 31-24 in Madison. New coach James Franklin should make an immediate impact in Happy Valley, as he’s inheriting a roster that ranks No. 4 in the Big Ten. Depth is suspect – especially on the line – but the Nittany Lions aren’t hurting for talent in the starting 22. Franklin squeezed the most out of his rosters at Vanderbilt, winning nine games in each of the last two seasons. Penn State’s schedule also sets up favorably, missing Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska in crossover play in 2014. Sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg should thrive under Franklin’s watch, and the defense should show improvement on the stat sheet behind new coordinator Bob Shoop. The offensive line needs some work, but line coach Herb Hand is one of the best in the nation. If Franklin can get everything out of the roster like he did at Vanderbilt, finishing 9-3 or 10-2 isn’t out of the question for Penn State.
Scout.com offered up this analysis of the schedule and how Penn State could ultimately achieve that OVER 7.5:
If everything comes together in a hurry, and all the holes are filled at receiver and on the offensive line right away, the Nittany Lions can reasonably hope to beat UCF, Akron, Rutgers, UMass and Northwestern. Just because Ohio State and Michigan State come to Happy Valley, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll cower, but at least those two showdowns are at home. After losing an overtime heartbreaker to the Wolverines last year, if Penn State can come up with the road victory this season, it could be 6-0 going into the Ohio State game.
Not all online sportsbooks were offering regular season win totals on the Nittany Lions. Bookmaker.eu is one of the few.
- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
