Penn State vs. Northwestern Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 5

Northwestern is an underdog against Penn State in Week 5 of the college football season. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Penn State Nittany Lions and Northwestern Wildcats suffered their first losses of the season in Week 4. Penn State was upset by the Wisconsin Badgers, and Northwestern fell to the defending national champions. The Wildcats put up a good fight, but eventually lost to the Hoosiers 29-23.

The two teams will now be seeking their first Big Ten win of the season when they face each other on Friday night.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for this conference showdown.

Penn State vs. Northwestern Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via BetMGM Sportsbook

Spread

• Penn State -2.5 (-115)
• Northwestern +2.5 (-102)

Moneyline

• Penn State -145
• Northwestern +120

Total

• OVER 45.5 (-108)
• UNDER 45.5 (-110)

Penn State vs. Northwestern How to Watch

• Date: Friday, October 2
• Time: 8:00 ET
• Venue: Ryan Field
• How to Watch (TV): FOX
• Penn State record: 3-1
• Northwestern record: 2-1

Penn State vs. Northwestern Betting Trends

• Penn State is 6-4 against the spread in the last 10 meetings between these two teams
• The OVER is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings between these two teams
• Penn State is 6-4 against the spread in its last 10 games
• The OVER is 6-4 in Penn State's last 10 games
• Northwestern is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games
• The OVER is 7-3 in Northwestern's last 10 games

Penn State vs. Northwestern Key Player to Watch

• Griffin Wilde, WR - Northwestern Wildcats

Griffin Wilde has been fantastic at wide receiver for Northwestern so far this season. He's leading the team in both receptions (14) and receiving yards (245). He's coming off a performance where he hauled in six receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns against Indiana. If he can do that against a team like the Hoosiers, he should be able to torch other Big Ten defenses, including Penn State's.

Penn State vs. Northwestern Prediction and Best Bet

As much as I like Northwestern this season, this is the ultimate buy-low, sell-high spot. Bettors are going to run to bet on Northwestern after they almost upset the defending champions, while bettors will be scared to lay points on a Nittany Lions team that just suffered an embarrassing loss to the Wisconsin Badgers.

With that aside, let's remember that Penn State ranks 25th in net adjusted EPA per play, and their defense has allowed the sixth-fewest yards per play this season at 3.9. Their defense can carry them to a win and cover as long as the offense doesn't implode for the second straight week.

Pick: Penn State -2.5 (-115) via BetMGM

---

Follow Iain on X and Instagram

You can check out all of Iain's bets here!

Use BetMGM promo code ‘SI1500’ to get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets when you register and place your first wager with BetMGM Sportsbook. Deposit at least $10, make your pick, and BetMGM will return your full stake if you lose.

In MI, NJ, PA, and WV, you can place a $10 wager and get $150 in bonus bets if you win.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.