The Penn State Nittany Lions are 7–0 straight up and 5-1-1 against the spread through the first seven games of the season. Running back Saquon Barkley has played a big role in Penn State's success, leading the nation with 1,478 all-purpose yards.
Barkley has broken away from the pack as the clear favorite on the odds to win the Heisman Trophy at -275 at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. Barkley rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns and added on 53 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in Penn State's 42–13 win over Michigan. Michigan entered that game with one of the best defenses in the nation.