It’s been a good couple of weeks for Penn State football. The Nittany Lions found out that they are now eligible to go to a bowl game this season, and then they won a close game at Rutgers to start the Big Ten season with a win. Now, PSU has the chance to start James Franklin’s inaugural season 4-0 with what should be an easy win over UMass.
How to watch UMass vs. Penn State: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Penn State looks to have an easy path to 4-0.
Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
But this game got a whole lot more interesting because of what is happening in the stands. Fans are planning a “Joe-out” to honor their former head coach, the late Joe Paterno, which means there will be plenty of Joe Paterno masks, cut-outs and signs. Given the circumstances, that could some controversy in State College as the university tries to move away from the Paterno days.
On the field, this isn’t likely to be much of a contest. UMass did give Franklin’s old team, Vanderbilt, a run this year, but the Commodores are one of the worst Power 5 teams in the country. If Penn State takes care of business, it should be just fine on Saturday.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 4 pm ET
TV: BTN
Online streaming: BTN2Go
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: Penn State is 3-0, while UMass is 0-3. Neither team is ranked, but Penn State is receiving votes in both major polls.
Vegas: Penn State opened as a 30-point favorite and is now a 27-point favorite. The over/under is 47.5.
Weather forecast: High of 76 and a low of 58.
Two things at stake
Penn State is considered by a lot of people to be a sleeper in the Big Ten East. A convincing win might continue the hype. A loss would temper it.
There’s really nothing at stake for UMass. Anything outside of a blowout loss would be an accomplishment.
One big matchup
UMass is giving up 35 points per game, which ranks 104th nationally. The Penn State offense is no juggernaut, and even highly-touted quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been mistake-prone at times. Akron hung with the Nittany Lions by playing stout defense, and that will be the formula for the Minutemen to pull off an upset. Can they finally start playing some better defense and keep PSU within striking distance?
Further reading
Read more about Penn State at Black Shoe Diaries and UMass at Hustle Belt.
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