With the first loss of the season now in the books and senior quarterback Sean Clifford’s status undetermined, it’s been a rough week for the Nittany Lions. And the latest national championship odds reflect the uncertainty.
After holding 25/1 odds last week, the Lions’ odds shot up to 66/1 with the loss — the highest since week one when the Lions held 80/1 odds.
With a win over Wisconsin, the odds improved to 50/1. A win over Ball State pumped the odds to 40/1 and after beating Auburn in Happy Valley, the Lions’ 22/1 odds were the best of the season. After a 38-17 win over Villanova, the Lions’ odds fell to 25/1 which held until the Iowa loss.
Ohio State at 15/2, Iowa at 22/1 and Michigan at 28/1 all hold better odds to win the national championship from the Big 10 while Michigan State at 66/1 is now tied with the Lions.
Georgia and Alabama had been the co-favorites over the last couple of weeks, but after the Alabama upset loss to Texas A&M on Saturday, the Bulldogs are now the betting favorites to win the title at 6/5.
Bama at 13/5, Ohio State, Oklahoma at 16/1 and Iowa round out the Top 5 betting favorites Cincinnati at 28/1 has the best odds of any Group of Five team in the country.
The Lions still control their own destiny, with crucial games against Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State still on the schedule. A bye week before welcoming Illinois gives way to a huge road game against Ohio State on Oct. 30.
