Penn State Football makes its 2024 debut at Beaver Stadium this weekend as a hefty favorite over visiting Bowling Green. We take a look at the point spread, top players and key stats and give our prediction for the final score.

PENN STATE-BOWLING GREEN 

WEEK 2 BETTING LINE

Point spread: Penn State -35.

Money line: N/A.

Over/under: 48.5.

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Penn State key numbers

Season record: 1-0 (0-0 Big Ten). Against the spread: 1-0. Scoring offense: 34.0 ppg (No. 63 nationally). Scoring defense: 12.0 ppg (No. 47). Passing offense: 235.0 ypg (No. 64). Rushing offense: 222.0 ypg (No. 37). Third downs (offense): 45.5% (No. 65). Third downs (defense): 28.6% (No. 43). Time of possession: 30:25 (No. 58).

Bowling Green key numbers

Season record: 1-0 (0-0 MAC). Against the spread: 1-0. Scoring offense: 41.0 ppg (No. 44). Scoring defense: 17.0 ppg (No. 72). Passing offense: 170.0 ypg (No. 99). Rushing offense: 305.0 ypg (No. 10). Third downs (offense): 55.6% (No. 34). Third downs (defense): 29.4% (No. 47). Time of possession: 27:23 (No. 96).

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PENN STATE PLAYERS TO WATCH

RBs Kaytron Allen/Nick Singleton: Stick this duo in here most weeks with the idea that one or both could get to 100 yards. That’s especially true in this one after Fordham rolled up 182 on the ground in last week’s 41-17 loss to Bowling Green.

LION Jaylen Reed: If Bowling Green is to go run-heavy after a big day on the ground in Week 1 (305 rush yards), Reed will do his share of clean-up as he roams the formation. Safety K.J. Winston could be a candidate for 10+ tackles again.

BOWLING GREEN PLAYERS TO WATCH

RB Terion Stewart: The Falcons are guided by a sixth-year quarterback who got his start in the Big Ten in former Indiana product Connor Bazelak. Penn State will have respect for that, but absolutely key on Stewart, who averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2023 and rushes for 161 yards and three TDs on 14 carries last week.

DT Anthony Hawkins: The fifth-year senior is a captain and disruptor who must be accounted for in the pass and run games. Last week, the 6-foot-2, 295-pounder registered seven tackles, two sacks and an extra 1/2 TFL. The Lions don’t always master neutralizing big-bodied linemen, so Hawkins marks a solid early test.

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KEY THEMES

Chunk plays: The playbook in this one is simple for Penn State. Start fast. Make big plays using your huge speed/talent advantage. Build a big lead. Let the reserves play. Jump out 21-0 in the first half, and all that is in play.

Young players: A big day is out there for a young Nittany Lion or two to see their role expand, perhaps on a longer-term basis. Strong candidates for that safety Vaboue Toure, offensive lineman Cooper Cousins and tight ends Andrew Rappleyea and Luke Reynolds.

PREDICTION

The line is soaring in Penn State’s direction going into the two final full days before kickoff. Hard to argue against a game where the Lions swarm and build a big lead early. The spread of 35 starts to push into nervous territory, but the wild card is the ability of Penn State’s second-stringers to actually build on a lead if/when the bench is emptied.

The pick: Penn State 52, Bowling Green 10

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MORE: Penn State Opponent Index, Games to Watch and Key Themes