Despite a Top 4 ranking in the AP Poll, Penn State is a darkhorse contender to qualify for the College Football Playoff this season. With the fourth-best odds among Big 10 teams, according to Sports Betting, the Nittany Lions have a chance to up those odds this week.
With +500 odds to qualify for the Playoff, the Lions are given a 16.7% implied probability to qualify, which is good for eighth-best in the nation.
Alabama and Georgia are the heavy favorites, both holding -800 odds (88.9% implied probability). Oklahoma and Ohio State occupy the third- and fourth-best odds with -130 and +150 odds, respectively, good for 56.5% and 40% implied probability.
Cincinnati (+200, 33.3%), Michigan (+375, 21.1%) and Iowa (+450, 18.2%) all hold odds better than the Lions.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Texas (+550, 15.4%) and Oregon (+700, 12.5%) round out the Top 10 teams according to the playoff qualification odds.
The Lions will play No. 3 Iowa Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in a massive No. 3 vs. No 4. matchup, followed by No. 7 Ohio State at the Horseshoe on Oct. 30 and No. 9 Michigan in Happy Valley on Nov. 13. So, while the Lions’ odds may be fourth-best in the conference as of this moment, Penn State controls its own destiny.
