Eastern Michigan vs. Penn State: Spread and Predictions

The Eastern Michigan Eagles travel to Beaver Stadium to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. A game that should be a cakewalk, but won't. 

They say that defense wins championships. Well, the Nittany Lions are just hoping that it wins a few more games. Or they hope it holds together long enough for their stagnant offense to catch up to their nationally-famed defense. 

Eastern Michigan should lose this game, but there certainly are ways for this one to become a scary affair for Penn State. 

Let's delve deeper into this Saturday clash. 

Where: Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, Pennsylvania

When: Saturday, September 24, noon EST

Watch: ESPN 2, live streaming at ESPN3.com

Spread: Penn State -28.5 Courtesy of Betonline.com

That line is a little too large for my taste. I need to believe Penn State worked out their kinks on offense before I would take them minus that many touchdowns. Go Eagles. 

Over/Under: 44.5 

Penn State should score, but anything is possible with this shaky offense. I also have my doubts in the Eagles getting anything over on a stingy Penn State defense. I would take the under. 

Key Injuries: 

Penn State: Chima Okoli, OT, (Probable) Dakota Royer, LB, (Doubtful)

Eastern Michigan: Dominique Sherrer, RB, Questionable

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications: Penn State can get back into the good graces of the top 25 with a dominating win here. They received some votes in the USA Today, but were left out of the AP. Voters need to be convinced the Nittany Lions can put points on the board. 

Keys to Eastern Michigan Win: Eastern Michigan needs to treat this game like it were their last, that means going vertical on Penn State. The Nittany Lions are great against the run, so the only shot is to hope for better luck down field. 

Keys to Penn State Win: This one is as easy as doing what you have been taught. The only thing that loses this game for Penn State is sloppy play and mismanagement. 

Prediction: Penn State 27, Eastern Michigan 12