Indiana vs Penn State Best Picks November 8th

A wild college football season rolls into Week 11 with two programs heading in completely opposite directions. The undefeated #2 Indiana Hoosiers (9–0, 6-0 Big Ten) hit the road to face the struggling Penn State Nittany Lions (3–5, 0–5 Big Ten) at Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Indiana has been one of the biggest surprises in the country, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza and an offense that’s lit up scoreboards all fall – as the Hoosiers continue to look like legitimate playoff contenders.

Penn State, meanwhile, has endured a nightmare season. The Nittany Lions fired longtime head coach James Franklin after a 0–3 conference start, but things haven’t improved since. They’re 0–2 under interim leadership and struggling to find consistency on either side of the ball.

Kickoff is set for 12:00 pm ET on FOX and while these teams have plenty of history, this year’s matchup feels like two programs heading in completely different directions.

Let’s break down the game and look at three betting angles worth a close look before kickoff.

Indiana vs Penn State predictions

Pick #1: Indiana Hoosiers -14.5 over Penn State Nittany Lions (-110) Click Here to Bet

Pick #2: Over 49.5 (-110) Click Here to Bet

Pick #3: Fernando Mendoza (IND) over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-130) Click Here to Bet

Pick #1: Indiana Hoosiers -14.5 over Penn State Nittany Lions (-110) Click Here to Bet

This is a tough spot for Penn State. The Nittany Lions offense has been disjointed, the quarterback play has been inconsistent – especially now with starter Drew Allar done for the season – and the defense hasn’t been able to carry the load. Indiana, on the other hand, has been dialed-in for weeks with fast starts, balanced play-calling and strong execution in the red zone under head coach Curt Cignetti.

Even on the road, Indiana’s offense should overwhelm a Penn State defense that’s given up 25 points in all but one of its Big Ten matchups. The Hoosiers offense, on the other hand, has scored at least 30 points in every game except one – which was a tough defensive battle with Iowa. With Mendoza in rhythm and the Hoosiers motivated to stay in the National Championship and Heisman talks, we expect a blowout in this one.

Pick #2: Over 49.5 (-110) Click Here to Bet

Despite Penn State’s struggles, the total here feels a little light. Indiana has scored over 30 points in every game but one this season, which was stated above, and its pace of play tends to push opponents into shootouts. Plus, Indiana has put a 50-burger up in five of its nine games. Even if Penn State can’t match them score-for-score, the Nittany Lions should find some success moving the ball late against Indiana’s reserves.

The Hoosiers will do most of the heavy lifting on the scoreboard, but Penn State should chip in enough to push this total over. Something in the low 50s feels right.

Pick #3: Fernando Mendoza (IND) over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-130) Click Here to Bet

Mendoza has been outstanding this season, spreading the ball around and finding ways to score through the air every week; that is why he is in the Heisman Trophy conversation. He’s thrown multiple touchdown passes in six of Indiana’s nine games and faces a Penn State secondary that’s been prone to giving up big plays through the air as of late.

Indiana’s offensive line gives him time and the Hoosiers red-zone efficiency through the air has been one of the keys to their success throughout the season. Expect Mendoza to hit a couple of touchdown strikes, quite possibly both before halftime, as the Hoosiers keep their foot on the gas – just like we have seen all season long.