Nevada vs Penn State Prediction 8/30/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

The Nevada Wolf Pack and Penn State Nittany Lions meet Saturday in college football action at Beaver Stadium. Here’s a Nevada vs Penn State Prediction. This article will include a Nevada vs Penn State Pick.

Nevada Wolf Pack Betting Preview

The Nevada Wolf Pack have won a combined seven games in their last three seasons and enter the second year under coach Jeff Choate. Nevada hasn’t had a winning season since 2021.

Chubba Purdy will take over at quarterback and while he’s experienced in terms of years in college, he has just 188 career pass attempts. Running back Herschel Turner comes over from Utah State and receiver Marcus Bellon was productive with 39 receptions last season. The Nevada offensive line has holes to fill, but there’s potential on this side of the ball assuming Purdy can finally find his footing at the QB position.

Defensively, Nevada wasn’t good last season, but there are key returners in Stone Combs and Thomas Witte, who combined for 92 tackles last season. Defensive back AJ Odums comes over from UTEP and Nahji Logan transfers from UMASS and Indiana. Nevadas defense will be a work in progress for second year coordinator Kane Ioane.

Overall, it’s hard seeing this as the year Nevada will be able to win enough to end its bowl drought.

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions have won double-digit games in each of the last three seasons and are legit national title contenders. Coach James Franklin enters his 12th season at PSU.

Drew Allar is one of the best quarterbacks in the country with 6,300 yards and 53 touchdowns under his belt. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is an elite running back tandem, while transfer receivers Devonte Ross (Troy), Kyron Hudson (USC), and Trebor Pena (Syracuse) provide enough elite playmakers. Oh, the Penn State offensive line also returns four starters. You can make a strong argument that Penn State has the best offense in the country on paper.

Defensively, coordinator Jim Knowles comes from Ohio State and is bringing in a new scheme. Dani Dennis-Sutton has a chance to be one of the best linemen in the country. Linebacker Amare Campbell is coming off a strong season with North Carolina, while A.J. Harris and Zakee Wheatley have next level potential. Tony Rojas also provides depth at the linebacker position. The talent is there, but it sometimes takes time for guys to adjust to a new language.

Penn State is as talented as any team in college football. There are no excuses. The question simply remains if Franklin is capable of winning the big games and finally get over the hump.

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win

• Penn State has won each of its last 28 games against non-conference opponents at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
• Nevada has lost 15 of its last 17 road games.
• Penn State has covered the spread in five of its last six season openers.
• Nevada has lost the first half in four of its last five road games against non-conference opponents.

Why the Nevada Wolf Pack will win

• Nevada has won four of its last five road openers.
• Nevada has covered the spread in each of its last five games in August.

Penn State Nittany Lions Player Prop Facts

• Devonte Ross led the Sun Belt Conference for receiving touchdowns (11) last season.

Nevada Wolf Pack Player Prop Facts

• Dylan Labarbera led Nevada for forced fumbles (1) last season.

Nevada vs Penn State Prediction

This is a lot of points for a season opener, but there’s a serious gap between Nevada and Penn State in terms of talent. Nevada just doesn’t have the playmakers or the depth to compete. Also, while a big number, since 2017, Penn State is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when favorites of 30 or more points. That includes a 2-1 ATS record last year. Opening week can be sloppy and allow dogs to hang around, but we’ve also seen ugly beat downs when there’s a big gap between teams. This is one of those spots. Penn State is arguably the most talented team in the country. I’ll eat the chalk.