The SMU Mustangs will visit the Penn State Nittany Lions in the College Football Playoffs’ opening round.
Despite their stellar 11-win seasons, both teams lost their conference championship games, with the Mustangs losing a shootout to Clemson in their inaugural ACC season and the Nittany Lions losing to Ohio State.
SMU vs. Penn State prop bets and odds
I’ll look at the three best wagers for this game below, along with player props and the point spread.
1. Penn State -8.5 (-110)
For example, Caesars Sportsbook
Why: Despite SMU’s outstanding play this season, Penn State is undoubtedly their most difficult opponent to date. In terms of running yards, passing yards, and points allowed, Penn State boasts an outstanding defense and is ranked in the top 12. At just 16.4, they rank ninth in terms of points allowed per game.
Thanks to quarterback Kevin Jennings, SMU does have a potent attack, but this will be a difficult game for him. SMU’s pass defense is the other problem. They barely rank in the top 100 FBS teams, giving up 241 passing yards per game. This can cause issues while facing Drew Allar, the quarterback for Penn State. He rarely throws for 400 yards or more, but when he does, he averages 17.3 yards per attempt and has eight touchdowns (11.4% of his attempts are 20 yards or more).
Lastly, Abdul Carter, an edge rusher for Penn State, will present a challenge to SMU’s offensive line. Even though SMU will work hard, Penn State might be too strong.
Place a wager right now:(-110) Penn State -8.5
2. Tyler Warren anytime TD (-150)
FanDuelSportsbook is where
Why: Warren is anticipated to be selected as a tight end in the first round of the NFL Draft after this College Football Playoff. But first, he wants to make a memorable run in the College Football Playoffs.
He has caught 88 passes for 1,062 yards and six receiving touchdowns so far this season. In addition, he has four rushing touchdowns and 191 yards on 23 carries. He has two touchdowns in the last five games. He has seen six or more targets in each game during that time, and in four of them, he has accumulated 75 yards or more in receptions.
Warren is the Penn State offense’s best option by a wide margin. Harrison Wallace III, who has 39 catches—nearly 50 fewer than Warren—is the next guy closest in terms of receptions. For Allar to move on to the next round, expect him to rely on his preferred option.
Place a wager now: Tyler Warren anytime TD (-150).
3. Drew Allar Over 2.5 Passing TDs (+290)
Where: Sportsbook BetRivers
Why: I’m turning at BetRivers for Allar’s passing touchdowns because they’re one of the top Pennsylvania sportsbooks for player props this week.
A fascinating quarterback is Allar. He is one of those guys whose stats don’t really impress you, but if he were to join the 2025 NFL Draft, he would be selected as a first-round quarterback. Since he has declared his intention to return, he will work to further enhance his draft stock.
He has completed 2,894 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on 69.1% of his attempts this season. In addition to his average of 8.9 yards per attempt, he has eight touchdown passes and, as previously stated, averages 17.3 yards per attempt on passes of 20 yards or more.
Every game, SMU gives up more than 240 passing yards and 2.8 offensive touchdowns. In six games this season, Allar has thrown several touchdown passes.
Here at home, against a weak pass defense, Allar might have a big performance.
Place a wager right now:Over 2.5 Passing TDs (+290) for Drew Allar
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