NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Penn State vs Nevada Picks and Predictions — August 31, 2025
No. 2 Penn State kicks off its 2025 campaign against Nevada on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium, with national championship expectations soaring. The Nittany Lions return one of the deepest rosters in college football, including a punishing backfield tandem that should overwhelm a struggling Wolf Pack defense.
Exclusive Access: Ultimate NCAAF HQ
Join now—it’s Start your winning journey..
Oddsmakers list Penn State as a 34.5-point favorite, with the total hovering around 59.
Looking for sharp college football bets all season long? Get expert picks here →
Penn State Can Win If…
They simply play to their strengths. Quarterback Drew Allar is now a seasoned leader after throwing for 3,327 yards and 24 TDs last season. But it’s the elite one-two punch in the backfield — Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen — that gives Penn State a decisive edge.
“We know what it’s like to be on both ends of it … staying in the present when big moments come,” Allar said about the team’s growth from last year’s College Football Playoff experience.
The Nittany Lions’ defense, led by Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton, should feast on Nevada’s inconsistent offense. If the run game hits early, this could get out of hand before halftime.
Nevada Can Win If…
They force turnovers and keep Penn State’s offense off schedule — a tall order. QB Chubba Purdy, now in his sixth college season and third program, needs the game of his life to keep the Wolf Pack competitive. Nevada ranked 113th in rushing defense in 2024 and faces arguably the best backfield in the nation.
“They’re on par with the national championship caliber program,” Nevada head coach Jeff Choate admitted. “We’re going to be tested tremendously Week 1.”
The best-case scenario? Ball control, limited mistakes, and forcing Penn State into a rare slow start.
Key NCAAF Betting Trends
| Category | Penn State | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Record (2024) | 13–3 | 3–10 |
| Last 5 Games | 3–2 | 0–5 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 198.7 | 125.4 |
| Opponent Rush Yds/Gm | 112.4 | 192.8 (113th FBS) |
| ATS Record (2024) | 9–7 | 5–8 |
The Lean
Pick: Penn State -34.5
Projected Final Score: Penn State 48, Nevada 10
This is a complete mismatch on both sides of the ball. Expect Singleton and Allen to dominate a Nevada front that couldn’t stop the run last season. Penn State may limit Allar’s pass volume but still win handily. Take the Nittany Lions to cover and keep rolling toward their championship aspirations.
Track more marquee matchups in our NCAAF Previews Hub all season long.
Don’t just bet the big games—bet them smart.
Start winning with expert insights →Ready for the next one when you are!
