Matt Campbell and Rocco Becht will eventually have to adjust to life in the Big Ten, but not until Week 4. To start Campbell’s tenure, the new-look Nittany Lions have three non-conference matchups against Group of 6 opponents, starting with Marshall in Week 1.
There are plenty of new faces in Happy Valley, but Vegas isn’t discounting the Nittany Lions after an offseason overhaul. They’re big favorites in Week 1.
Marshall vs. Penn State odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Marshall +1400
- Penn State -4000
Spread
- Marshall +24.5 (-120)
- Penn State -24.5 (-102)
Total
- 52.5 (over -105/under -115)
Game 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.
Matt Campbell may keep his foot on the gas for a look at Alex Manske
The Penn State coaching staff probably couldn’t be more enthusiastic about their backup quarterback, Alex Manske, entering his redshirt freshman year. Despite missing the spring while recovering from open-heart surgery, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said this week that Manske will be “impossible” to keep off the field.
Manske is the heir apparent to Rocco Becht behind center, and what better opportunity than a three-game non-conference slate against Group of 6 opponents to get a look at him. Campbell has a lot to evaluate in his program after making the transition to Happy Valley, but most of all, he’ll want to get his redshirt freshman QB some late-game reps, and he may keep the offense wide open to see what Manske has.
With the starters in, Penn State should dominate Marshall. Last season with Boogie Trotter, maybe the best cornerback in the Sun Belt, leading the way, Marshall’s defense ranked No. 122 in the FBS in EPA/pass. Now, amid an eligibility dispute, the Thundering Herd may not have Trotter, who is attempting to use a fifth year.
If Trotter plays, Rocco Becht and the rest of the offense should carve through the Marshall defense, but if he’s out, it might be too easy for Becht to push the ball downfield to a group of familiar pass-catchers, many of whom followed him from Iowa State.
This time of year, many offenses are working out the kinks, adjusting to the timing of new teammates, or a new system. Penn State, largely, isn’t doing any of that. Becht has his top five receivers from last season and the same play-caller in Mouser.
The defense could be a different story as it adjusts to D’Anton Lynn, but I’m anticipating an offensive outpouring from the Nittany Lions in Game No. 1.
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