College Football Picks Against the Spread: New Odds for Nebraska vs. Penn State

The way the media is covering this Penn State scandal, you would think that was the only thing going on this weekend. But believe it or not, the Nittany Lions do have a big game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers this Saturday.

It's a game that will have an impact on the Big Ten conference in both divisions.

With all of the controversy going on that involves former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky allegedly molesting young boys and the firing of head coach Joe Paterno, the betting line for the game has remained the same, with the Cornhuskers favored by three-and-a-half points.

Although, some of the books have taken the line down for now.

Looking at the game, you have to like the Cornhuskers in this contest. Although their quarterback Taylor Martinez struggles to complete a pass in a game, he does make plays with his feet. The threat of him running makes things a lot easier for the running backs and is a big reason why Nebraska averages 237 yards a game on the ground.

Penn State is terrible offensively, as their passing game is almost nonexistent. Out of 120 teams, they rank 100th in points scored. Sure, you could say their defense is solid, but it's hard to make that assumption because they really haven't played anybody all year.

Then you throw in the fact that Penn State will have a new head coach in defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, who will only have a couple days to prepare. Not to mention all of the distractions that the Nittany Lions have been dealing with all week.

I'll take the overall better team and the team without a black cloud hanging over them.

Pick: Nebraska -3.5 

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

Bleacher Report is your home for college football for the 2011 season. From scores, news, analysis, live blogs and updates on your favorite teams and the big national games every week, keep it on Bleacher Report for the very latest in college football news.