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Penn State Football vs. Rutgers and Week 7 Big Ten picks ATS

By Lawrence Santa Maria

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: Johnny Langan #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is sacked by Antonio Shelton #55 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: Johnny Langan #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is sacked by Antonio Shelton #55 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Luke Farrell (89) misses a pass under pressure from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamar Johnson (22) during the first quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.Cfb Indiana Hoosiers At Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Luke Farrell (89) misses a pass under pressure from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamar Johnson (22) during the first quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.Cfb Indiana Hoosiers At Ohio State Buckeyes /

Ohio State -23.5 vs Michigan State

This game was in limbo after Ohio State had last week’s game cancelled after they were forced to pause team activities due to an outbreak of covid-19, drawing concern that the Buckeyes would not play six games and thus be disqualified from the Big Ten championship game  and potentially the College Football Playoff.

The game seems to be a go, and the Buckeyes should be more then ready to play as their undefeated season marches on toward a potential Playoff berth. The last we saw of Ohio State they clung to a 42-35 defeat over Indiana in which they gave up over 500 passing yards. Ohio State’s staff has had two weeks to beat into the defense and get these issues fixed in time for the Spartans.

Michigan State might be the weirdest team in all of college football, as last week they upset No. 8 ranked Northwestern after losing their two previous games by a combined score of 73-7.

Spartans quarterback Rocky Lombardi defines the up and down himself, as he has thrown for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, while also being intercepted eight times this year. Whether or not the Spartans can hang around in this game will be dependent upon how much Lombardi can expose a Buckeyes secondary that ranks dead last in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game.

Michigan State is allowing 31 points per game which does not bode well facing an Ohio State offense led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Justin Fields. The Buckeyes are averaging a conference best 45 points per game and over 530 yards of total offense. Ohio State can come at you in a multitude of different ways, including on the ground behind stud backs Master Teague and Trey Sermon.

Ohio State should be motivated to get back on the field, and knows that style points might matter seeing they are going to play less games then most others around the country. A motivated Buckeyes squad with a point to prove is a scary sight for the Spartans, Ohio State wins 45-10.

The Pick: Ohio State -23.5

dark. Next. Penn State Football: 3 keys to beating Rutgers

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