Following Penn State’s disappointing loss at Michigan State came shocking news. Defensive coordinator Brent Pry announced he would become Virginia Tech head coach. Of course, Pry was a top confidant to head coach James Franklin. Since their NCAA Football betting days at Vanderbilt, the two were inseparable. Pry was Franklin’s most valuable assistant. Consider that Franklin has struggled to get his offense in gear for the past four years. As a result, he has gone through three offensive coordinators in that span. Now he seeks the all-important replacement for Pry as recruiting season reaches its climax.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Outback Bowl
| Date and Time: | Saturday, January 1, 2022, noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Outback Bowl, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida |
| Penn State vs. Arkansas TV Coverage: | ESPN2 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | -2 ( -110 ) | 47 ( -110 ) | -130 |  |
| Arkansas | +2 ( -110 ) | 47 ( -110 ) | +110 | |
| ||||
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Arkansas Razorbacks SBG Odds Overview
Namely, Penn State is a far bigger brand in this matchup. Arkansas will appeal to some gamblers as a good SEC team. Further, Penn State’s offense has been a source of offshore bookmaker frustration with gamblers.
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Overview
Last time out, Penn State lost at Michigan State 30-27 as 3.5-point road chalk. The game cleared the total of 51.5. Penn State is 7-5 straight up, 7-5 against the spread, and 3-9 over/under. Overall, CFB metrics show Penn State ranks 84th for total offense and 83rd for scoring offense. Defensively, the Nittany Lions rank 34th overall and 7th for points allowed.
Yet again, James Franklin’s coaching staff is changing. Of great concern is who will replace Brent Pry. Penn State hasn’t had stability on offense. In comparison, the defense was their rock, thanks to Pry. As mentioned earlier, Franklin can’t settle on an offensive coordinator. The results on that side of the ball have been lacking. Also, Penn State lost five of its final seven regular-season games. Following a 5-0 start. Now Pry’s departure is the latest hurdle Franklin will have to clear.
Penn State will provide Franklin with facility upgrades as part of his new contract. But it’s impossible to calculate what Pry meant to Franklin. Specifically, they had a level of trust that was impossible to replace.
Arkansas Razorbacks Team Overview
Last game, Arkansas routed Missouri 34-17 as 14.5-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 64. As a result, Arkansas is 8-4 straight up, 7-4-1 against the spread, and 7-5 over/under. Overall, the Razorbacks rank 30th for total offense and 44th for scoring offense. Defensively, Arkansas ranks 58th overall and 46th for points allowed.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Arkansas Razorbacks ATS Stats
- Penn State has paid in 11 of their last 16 games
- Penn State is 1-5 under the total in their most recent six games
- The Nittany Lions are just 2-5 straight up in their last seven games
- Penn State has covered one of their previous six against SEC teams
- Arkansas is 1-7 to the under in January action
- The Razorbacks are 4-16 straight up as underdogs
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Arkansas Razorbacks SBG Free Picks
On the whole, Arkansas has a clear NCAA Football Betting matchup advantage over Penn State. Specifically, the Penn State offense plods along without production. Further, the Nittany Lions consistently fall short against the best teams.
Penn State vs. Arkansas SBG Best Bet: Arkansas Razorbacks.