- Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats vs Penn State Nittany Lions
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Venue: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
- Broadcast: FS1
- Betting Line: Nittany Lions favored by 21.5 points
- Point Total: 48.5
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Beaver Stadium will host an exciting clash as the Penn State Nittany Lions (3-2) take on the Northwestern Wildcats (3-2). According to Las Vegas oddsmakers, Northwestern enters the game as 21.5-point underdogs, with the total points set at 48.5.
The Northwestern Wildcats are coming into this game with a 3-2 season record. In their previous outing, they triumphed over the UL Monroe Warhawks with a decisive 42-7 victory. The Wildcats executed 38 rushing attempts, accumulating 246 yards for an impressive average of 6.5 yards per carry. Over the course of 71 plays, Northwestern totaled 515 yards. Defensively, they allowed 12 completions out of 23 attempts, yielding 186 yards and a completion rate of 52.2%. On the ground, the Wildcats’ defense held opponents to 87 yards on 30 carries, averaging just 2.9 yards per rush.
Throughout the season, the Wildcats have amassed a total of 1,905 yards. In scoring, they have tallied 7 touchdowns both passing and rushing, but have turned the ball over 8 times. Northwestern has successfully gained 105 first downs and faced 22 penalties for a total of 169 yards. They are averaging 196.0 rushing yards, placing them 35th in Division I. The Wildcats also average 23.6 points per game.
Defensively, the Wildcats rank 27th in Division I in opponent scoring, allowing 17.0 points per game. They give up an average of 4.8 yards per rush and a total of 146.6 rushing yards per match, totaling 733 yards allowed on the ground across 5 games. In the passing game, their defense has permitted 825 yards, ranking 20th in Division I, and they give up 165.0 passing yards per game with a completion rate of 58.8%. Overall, Northwestern allows an average of 311.6 yards per game, ranking them 31st nationally. They have surrendered 5 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns.
The Penn State Nittany Lions, also at 3-2 this season, are entering this matchup after a tight loss to the UCLA Bruins, finishing 42-37. In that game, Penn State rushed for 5.1 yards per carry, totaling 157 yards on 31 attempts. Over 57 plays, the Nittany Lions recorded 357 total yards, averaging 6.3 yards per play. In pass defense, they allowed a completion rate of 70.8%, giving up 166 yards on 17 of 24 passing attempts. Penn State’s defense faced 53 rushing attempts, yielding 269 yards at 5.1 yards per carry.
Penn State averages 389.0 yards per game, ranking them 70th in college football. They incurred 133 yards in penalties over 19 infractions, which places them 129th in Division I for mistakes. Rushing-wise, they average 175.4 yards per game, amassing 877 yards for the season. The Nittany Lions have thrown 2 interceptions, lost 1 fumble, and accumulated 109 first downs. When it comes to scoring, Penn State ranks 20th nationally, averaging 38.6 points per game. They have gained 1,068 passing yards this season, averaging 213.6 yards per game, which ranks 83rd in the nation.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions allow an average of 17.8 points per game, positioning them 30th in the country. They have allowed a total of 747 rushing yards (149.4 yards per game) and 4 rushing touchdowns this season. Against the pass, they have conceded 7 touchdowns and an average of 156.8 yards per game, ranking 16th in Division I. Their defense has appeared on the field for 342 plays, ranking 70th in D-1. They have recorded 3 fumbles and 4 interceptions this season, allowing a total of 89 points.
Who will prevail in today’s Wildcats vs. Nittany Lions matchup?
Selection: Back the Nittany Lions -21.5
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
