Penn State Nittany Lions vs Northwestern Wildcats Prediction, 10/2/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Penn State Nittany Lions vs Northwestern Wildcats

Date: Friday, October 2, 2026

Location: Ryan Field in Evanston, IL

TV: FOX

Odds/Point Spread: Wildcats (+2.5)

Total/Over-Under: 45.5

The Penn State Nittany Lions (3-1) are headed to Ryan Field on Friday, October 2, 2026 where they will take on the Northwestern Wildcats (2-1). Northwestern opens as 2.5-point underdogs from oddsmakers. The over/under comes in at 45.5.

The Penn State Nittany Lions step onto the field holding a record of 3-1 for this season. In their last matchup, the Nittany Lions stepped onto the field against the Wisconsin Badgers and walked away from this one with a loss by a score of 24-20. When it came to stopping the run, the Nittany Lions gave up 120 yds on 28 attempts, which averages out to 4.3 yards per run surrendered. Penn State allowed 18 completions on 38 attempts for 235 yards, and a completion rate of 47.4%. At the end of the game, they ran 65 plays for 233 yds. The Penn State Nittany Lions ran the rock 36 times and amassed 119 yds, which had them averaging 3.3 yards per attempt.

Concerning putting the ball in the endzone, the Penn State Nittany Lions hold an average of 36.8 points per contest. As a team they maintain an average of 183.5 yards via the ground game which ranks them 43rd in college football. The Nittany Lions currently have 1,709 total yards this season. In terms of scoring touchdowns, Penn State has compiled 9 touchdowns through the air and 8 rushing touchdowns. Penn State has amassed 85 first downs, and they have been hurt by 19 infractions for 176 yds. They have turned the ball over 1 time.

When it comes to passing yards, the Nittany Lions have given up 505 yards which ranks them 8th in the country. They have relinquished 126.3 yards per game via the pass as well as giving up a completion percentage of 53.0%. Over the course of this year, they have surrendered 239.5 yards/contest which has them sitting 9th in D-1. They have relinquished 2 touchdowns through the air and 3 touchdowns on the ground. The opposition is running for 3.6 yards per attempt on the ground and 113.3 rushing yards per contest on the year. In total, they have given up 453 yards via the running game in 4 games. The Nittany Lions sit in 9th in the nation when it comes to the opposition scoring, conceding 11.5 points per contest.

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The Wildcats head into this game 2-1 for this season. For their last game, the Wildcats took a loss by a score of 29-23 when they played the Indiana Hoosiers. The Wildcats finished the game with 325 yards while running 57 plays (5.7 yards per play). Northwestern ran the ball for 1.2 yards per tote, finishing with a total of 32 yards on 27 attempts. Northwestern conceded 40 attempts on the ground for 271 yards (6.8 yds per carry). The Wildcats passing defense allowed a completion rate of 65.5%, relinquishing 201 yards on 19 for 29 passing.

In terms of the points being put on the board, the Wildcats are sitting 59th in Division 1 holding an average of 32.7 PPG. The Northwestern Wildcats have an average of 415.0 yards/game, which ranks them 63rd in college football. The Northwestern offense has compiled 178 penalty yards on 26 infractions, which ranks them 65th in the nation in terms of giving up free yards. They have thrown no picks while allowing opponents to recover 1 fumble and they have been able to tally 61 first downs. During the season thus far, the Wildcats have thrown for 807 passing yards in addition to an average of 269.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 37th in the nation. They maintain an average of 146.0 yards per game on the ground and have toted the ball for 438 yards for the year.

The Wildcats are surrendering 18.0 PPG, which puts them 36th in D-1. Northwestern has allowed a total of 598 yards on the ground (199.3 yards/game) in addition to 3 touchdowns rushing on the year. They have yielded 2 touchdowns via the pass and 218.0 yards/outing, which puts them in 80th in the country. The Wildcats defense has participated in 219 plays, which ranks them 14th in the country. Their defense has tallied 2 fumbles recovered and 3 interceptions over the course of the season. This season, they have surrendered 54 total points.

Who will win tonight's Nittany Lions/Wildcats college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Nittany Lions -2.5

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