Michigan vs. Penn State odds, props, predictions: Wolverines ready for statement win amidst Harbaugh investigation

The Big Ten's season comes to a defining moment on Saturday afternoon. No. 3 Michigan takes on No. 10 Penn State, headlining a day full of college football wagering action. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on FOX.

Let's dive into Michigan vs. Penn State odds, props, and predictions, as the Wolverines deal with the sign-stealing scandal hovering over Jim Harbaugh's program. 

The winner of Michigan vs. Penn State will take a massive step in clinching a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, especially if Ohio State loses against Michigan at the end of the month. From there, the conference's winner is guaranteed a shot to win the College Football Playoff.

Odds for Saturday's Michigan vs. Penn State Big Ten clash: Point spread, moneyline, total

Here are current CFB odds for Wolverines vs. Nittany Lions:

Penn State is the rare home underdog, ceding several points to the Wolverines. With how the Nittany Lions' offense has struggled in big games, it's understandable to wonder whether they can keep up with Michigan's more efficient unit.

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Michigan betting news: Wolverines look to prove themselves in their first big test of the season 

There's a lot to like about Michigan (9-0 SU/4-4-1 ATS) on paper. They've demolished most of their competition, leading the nation in total defense and scoring defense. The Wolverines are allowing 231.4 yards and 6.7 points per game.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has played at a torrid pace, rising in NFL draft discussions thanks to his improved mechanics and decision-making. Completing 75.7% of passes for 2,134 yards, 18 touchdowns, and throwing only three interceptions, McCarthy may need to take this game by the horns and prove he's a difference-maker when he has to be.

McCarthy hasn't gotten the help from the rushing game as most expected in 2023. Running back Blake Corum is averaging 5.2 yards per carry and has scored 16 touchdowns, but hasn't been as dominant as previous seasons. Donovan Edwards has cratered his stock, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry and being relegated to an afterthought in the offense.

Few teams have as effective of a defense as the Wolverines do, but they haven't played a good schedule, either. Whether the unit can continue to create negative plays at a high rate will determine the outcome of this game.

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Penn State betting news: Lions look to stay in CFP chase with win

Penn State (8-1 SU/7-2 ATS) needs some help to stay in the College Football Playoff race, but winning out is the first step. Losing to Ohio State put them behind the eight-ball, but a win on Saturday would open the door for the Lions to reach its first playoff. 

James Franklin has to be worried about the here and now, though. He's struggled in big games against top foes, largely because his offense has rarely been good enough to score on elite defenses. Even with Drew Allar under center, who has 20 touchdowns to one interception, there's doubt over the unit.

The rest of the offense is a slog. Leading rusher Kaytron Allen averaged only 2.9 yards per carry against the Buckeyes, and the Lions were essentially out of that game by the fourth quarter. 

Penn State has a fast and physical defense. But they'll need to be playmakers to help flip the field of their woeful offense. 

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Michigan vs. Penn State player props

Here are some player props from FanDuel Sportsbook for this Big Ten matchup:

Michigan vs. Penn State anytime TD scorer props

• Blake Corum (MICH) -200
• Roman Wilson (MICH) +130
• Nicholas Singleton (PSU) +140
• Kaytron Allen (PSU) +150
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith (PSU) +190
• Donovan Edwards (MICH) +220

Passing yards prop

• J.J. McCarthy (MICH) +1.5 OVER -102, UNDER -130
• Drew Allar (PSU) +1.5 OVER +162, UNDER -220

Rushing yards prop

• Blake Corum (MICH) 70.5 (-114 either way)
• J.J. McCarthy (MICH) 9.5 (-114 either way)
• Donovan Edwards (MICH) 27.5 (-114 either way)
• Nicholas Singleton (PSU) 47.5 (-114 either way)
• Kaytron Allen (PSU) 51.5 (-114 either way)

Michigan vs. Penn State prediction

Both teams want to play a similar game. That doesn't bode well for the lesser team when that happens, and Penn State is likely to be at a talent and coaching disadvantage in this matchup. The Nittany Lions defense is excellent but will only last so long if Allar can't create chunk plays downfield with his mediocre pass-catchers.

The potential room for an upset comes with the fact that Michigan hasn't played a team worth a lick. But we know this is a College Football Playoff-caliber team with an excellent staff. Expect them to come out sharp amidst the allegations of sign-stealing.

Pick: Michigan