#8 Penn State has high hopes for the 2024 season, which gets underway in a traditionally tough place to play in Morgantown against West Virginia. PSU was 9-4 in 2023, but so were the Mountaineers in their most successful season in Neal Brown’s tenure that began in 2019.

Before Betting on Week 1 Penn State vs West Virginia

These two teams met in last year’s season opener, with Penn State picking up a 38-15 win in Happy Valley which even covered the -21 point spread. Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar made his first college start in that game, going 21/29 for 325 yards with 3 TDs and 0 INT.

Allar was stellar in his sophomore year throwing 25 TDs to just 2 INTs and he should be just as dialed in for 2024 even though Penn State has brought in a new offensive coordinator.

Even though Allar can light things up through the air, Saturday’s game is going to come down to the trenches. West Virginia had the #5 rushing offense in the nation last year (228.9) but that plays into PSU’s strength as they had the second best run defense (75.5) and #2 overall defense in the country (247.6).

Nittany Lions vs Mountaineers Offshore Betting Odds

Offshore Sportsbook Moneyline Total Point Spread
BetOnline PSU (1.33) | WVU (3.50) 51.5

PSU -8.5 (1.95) | WVU +8.5 (1.87)
MyBookie PSU (1.30) | WVU (3.55) 51 PSU -8 (1.91) | WVU +8 (1.91)
       
SportsBetting.ag PSU (1.33) | WVU (3.50) 51.5 PSU -8.5 (1.95) | WVU +8.5 (1.87)
XBet PSU (1.30) | WVU (3.55) 51 PSU -8 (1.91) | WVU +8 (1.91)

Week 1 Penn State vs West Virginia Prediction & Pick

Penn State is more optimistic about their expanded playoff chances for 2024, but going into Morgantown for the opener is still a tough task. Penn State has the more versatile offense, but WVU’s offensive line is one of the best in the Big 12 as is their defensive secondary. This looks like a one score game. 

Pick: West Virginia +8.5

Carl Taylor
Carl Taylor

Contributor

Carl has sent many a Western Union deposit to offshore sportsbooks over the years, using his knowledge of three decades following sports to get the best lines in the globe. He\\\'s been anxiously waiting for the first off-planet sportsbook as well.

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