Opening Line: Oddsmakers Predict Blowout Win For Penn State Over Indiana

Following a 31-14 loss at home to Rutgers, Indiana travels to No. 10 Penn State for a Noon ET kickoff on Saturday. The Nittany Lions are favored by 31.5 points.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – For the third time in eight games, Indiana is more than a four-touchdown underdog.

No. 10 Penn State is a 31.5-point favorite against Indiana, and the over/under is set at 44.5 points, according to the SI Sportsbook on Monday. Indiana enters the game with a 2-5 record, including a three-game losing streak. Penn State suffered its first loss of the season Saturday against Ohio State, but remained in the top 10 with a 6-1 record.

Here's how Indiana has fared against the spread in 2023.

• Week 1: Covered 30-point spread in 23-3 loss to Ohio State
• Week 2: Covered 31-point spread in 41-7 win over Indiana State
• Week 3: Covered 10-point spread in 21-14 loss to Louisville
• Week 4: Did not cover 16.5-point spread in 29-27 win over Akron
• Week 5: Did not cover 14.5-point spread in 44-17 loss at Maryland
• Week 7: Did not cover 33-point spread in 52-7 loss at Michigan
• Week 8: Did not cover 6-point spread in 31-14 loss to Rutgers

Indiana coach Tom Allen affirmed Monday that Brendan Sorsby will make his second consecutive start at quarterback against Penn State after completing 15-of-31 passes for 126 yards, one passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown against Rutgers. 

Sorsby made his college debut against Penn State last year, but the limited chance did not go well, completing 3-of-6 passes for eight yards and an interception. Saturday, he'll go up against a Penn State defense that ranks second in the nation in fewest points allowed per game at 9.7.

"They're talented, and they've got a good scheme too," Indiana defensive coordinator Matt Guerrieri said. "I've known [Penn State defensive coordinator] Manny Diaz for a long time ... When I was at Duke, he was at Miami, so we've gone against each other at times, but I have a lot of respect for Manny and what he's been able to do. Definitely one of the best in the country."

Penn State has dominated most of its opponents this season, but hit its first moment of adversity last week against Ohio State. After wins over West Virginia, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern and UMass by an average of 36 points, the Nittany Lions fell 20-12 to the third-ranked Buckeyes. Quarterback Drew Allar completed just 18-of-42 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown, Penn State converted just 1-of-16 third-down attempts. 

Kickoff between Indiana and Penn State is scheduled for Noon ET inside Beaver Stadium, and the game will air on CBS.

Related stories on Indiana football

• TEAM CAPTAIN NOAH PIERRE OUT: Indiana's defense took a big hit Saturday against Rutgers, losing team captain and starting husky Noah Pierre to an injury. Coach Tom Allen said Monday that Pierre will be out for an extended period of time. CLICK HERE
• SORSBY QB1: Indiana coach Tom Allen said he and the staff feel good about moving forward with Brendan Sorsby at quarterback for a Week 9 matchup at Penn State, though Allen continues to mention the potential return of Dexter Williams II from injury. CLICK HERE
• INDIANA-RUTGERS GAME STORY: Indiana fell to 2-5 on the season with a 31-14 loss to Rutgers Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Indiana made special teams mistakes, had below-average quarterback play and couldn't stop the run. CLICK HERE