Prime-Time First TD Bets — Sunday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
Welcome to Week 3 of the college football season. Last week brought several top-10 upsets, and this week could be even more entertaining. The stakes continue to rise as the slates feature more powerhouse programs battling.
We have the unique opportunity to see Penn State and Auburn in Week 3. These programs have split their two head-to-head bouts previously. This year’s iteration of this matchup is fascinating because we’re still learning about the teams.
Both teams have a strong betting profile for us to consider as we preview how they stack up.
We have you covered from every angle of this matchup. Let’s dig in.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Auburn Tigers Week 3 odds
Here is a look at the Week 3 betting odds between Penn State and Auburn odds, courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Penn State -6.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: 53 (-110)
- Moneyline: Penn State -225, Auburn +185
Penn State at Auburn game preview
Here’s a look at the preview between Penn State and Auburn for Week 3.
Auburn offense vs. Penn State defense
The key for the Tigers is to avoid turnovers and other self-inflicted setbacks. We’ve seen quarterback Bo Nix start off more efficiently against low competition, racking up five scores and 383 yards on 74% completion rate. This won’t continue for long unless Nix has completely overhauled his passing ability, but he can be effective if he’s close to that level.
Penn State has a physical and fast secondary that’ll challenge Nix’s anticipation and accuracy. Simply put, Auburn will work to do just enough in the passing game but rely on the run game to create an effective offense. Bryan Harsin has done well to not fight the strengths of his roster and choosing to do so now would be lacking awareness.
The two-headed backfield of Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter will be Penn State’s major concern. We saw the Nittany Lions do well against Wisconsin’s talented run game, but Auburn is faster and more powerful. I think Auburn will find success with their predictable but devastatingly strong backs.
Penn State offense vs. Auburn defense
Nothing about the Penn State offense has been especially inspiring besides the big-play ability of receiver Jahan Dotson. Sean Clifford has been mediocre but able to move the ball. Former 5-star recruit Noah Cain has largely been just a guy behind an offensive line that isn’t creating big lanes.
It’s hard to see Penn State coming out and finding a lot of success against Auburn. They’ll need to be creative and aggressive to overcome Auburn’s ability to match and maybe surpass their athleticism in the trenches. Auburn might just line up and try to out-talent Penn State, and I wouldn’t blame them.
Penn State will need to grind this out on the ground and hope Clifford can move the pocket to extend plays for downfield throws. Anything less exposes a relatively bland set of talent compared to what Auburn often sees in the SEC.
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Betting trends for Penn State at Auburn
Penn State has covered in each of their last six games, which were also all straight-up wins. They’ve gone under in six of their last nine, though.
Auburn has covered in six of their last nine and have won the same number of games in that span. They’re 1-5 in their last six against Big Ten foes.
CFB betting picks – Penn State at Auburn
This is a lot of points for a home dog. Sean Clifford has played decently but this is the first time the Nittany Lions have played an athletically superior foe. I hesitate taking Auburn to win outright because of their young coaching staff, but I do see a cover as we avoid the total.
Best bets: Auburn +6.5 (-110)
