Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers: Scandal takes Center Stage in Big Ten Battle
Written by Matthew Regaw
Wed, 9 Nov 2011
Category sportsbook
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This weekend is Senior Day in Happy Valley as the Penn State Nittany Lions host the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It should have been the perfect landscape for a great football game between two historic schools, but instead it will be a media circus as the Penn State Scandal will take center stage.
Will Penn State Win It For Joe Pa?
Last weekend it was revealed that ex-defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is being charged with sexual abuse. Since this disturbing announcement there has been a ripple effect throughout the university that is legendary for upholding morals. The result has been utter turmoil.
Head coach Joe Paterno is being heavily scrutinized for not doing enough when being notified of the misdoings and recent reports are that he will step down. This is shocking and its effects are being felt everywhere including the sports betting world.
The public perception, and perhaps rightfully so, is that the football team and the coaching staff will be rattled by the allegations and unable to perform at a high level on the field. The college football odds for week 11 opened with Nebraska as 2.5 point favorites. Since the breaking news, the line has been bet up to three points as 79% of the public is on the Cornhuskers.
From a football standpoint, Nebraska enters this game off a tough loss to the Northwestern Wildcats. The Huskers defense was skewered by Northwestern as they lost as big favorites, perhaps looking ahead to this game.
Penn State is fresh off a bye week, but they are ready to hit the football field and take their frustrations out on an opponent. The defense is one of the best in the country allowing just 12 paltry points per game. The Nittany Lions are 6-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last eight games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0, which proves they are tough at home when expected not to win.
It is nearly impossible to predict the emotional state of the players and the coaches at this game. However it is very clear that the players support their coach, and regardless if he is on the sidelines for this game, the players will give it their all in what most likely will be the last ever home game for Joe Pa. With emotions riding high, expect a beautiful performance from a team that really wants to win one for their beloved coach.
Once the game is over the media circus will again start up and focus on other things, but for this Saturday, it’s time to think about football.
College Football Week 11 Picks: Penn State +3