Penn State vs Texas A&M
Penn State by 5 1/2*

Name (Season Prediction)

 W L W L
Tom Hoffman (10-2) 8 4 10 2
Jamie Trescavage (10-2) 8 4 10 2
Tom McLaughlin (10-2) 7 5 10 2
Nirav Dalal (9-3) 6 6 9 3
Rob Riva (11-1) 5 7 10 2
Scott Neal (9-3) 4 8 11 1
Mark Harrington (9-3) 4 8 10 2
Scott Cole (10-2) 2 10 9 3
Mark Brennan (9-3) 2 10 7 5
Baseline Monday Line* Straight Up



Mark Brennan, mxbscout

This Week’s Game: Penn State 35, Texas A&M 21

The Aggies used the element of surprise to topple Texas in the regular-season finale. That won't come into play here, nor will the idea of winning one for an embattled head coach.

Regular Season Prediction: 9-3

Penn State figures to be favored in every game but one this season (at Michigan). But even though most of the tough ones are at home, I still envision three losses overall before a bowl win. Iowa, Wisconsin and Ohio State should all be formidable in Beaver Stadium, and look out for trap games at Illinois and Michigan State.

Scott Cole, Psu96

This Week’s Game: Penn State 27, Texas A&M 17

Neither team should be overly fired up about landing in a second-tier bowl game after starting the season with conference title hopes. But, Penn State should have more impetus to get the bad taste out of their mouths left by the Michigan State collapse. A balanced offensive attack and the Lions' usual stingy run defense will be enough to get to nine wins on the season.

Regular Season Prediction: 10-2

Unless the recent spate of injuries becomes a team-wide epidemic, there is no reason that Penn State should lose more than two regular season games. Michigan looms as a likely loss to open the conference schedule, but this team is good enough to run the table at home. Having said that, I expect a second loss against either Wisconsin or Iowa. Why? Penn State always has their hands full against those teams no matter how many starters they have returning.

Nirav Dalal, PlaybookNirav

This Week’s Game: Penn State: 34, Texas A&M: 28

The Lions can move the ball on this Aggie defense, but the Aggies have a tricky offense that can generate some big plays. McGee is a dangerous QB with his legs and his arm. This game could become a shootout if the defense is not able to play the run well. But, if the offense comes out firing and gets the Aggies behind, the game could be over. But, I’m expecting Joe to keep things close to the vest and for the Aggies to fight hard in this one.

Regular Season Prediction: 9-3

Penn State has too much inexperience at RB and on the defensive line to really make a challenge for the Big Ten title this year especially with the talent at Michigan and Wisconsin. Chalk both of those up as losses. PSU will lose one more that they shouldn't - Ohio State, Iowa, or maybe even Purdue. So, I'm going with 9-3 and a visit to the Capital One Bowl since I'm guessing that 2 Big Ten school will be in the BCS.

Mark Harrington, PlaybookMark

This Week’s Game: Penn State 27, Texas A&M 17

Given the issues with the PSU secondary, I suspect we will see some major pickups in the passing game for Texas A&M. They’ll put points on the board and find some early success. However, I don’t think it will be enough to overcome Penn State’s defensive adjustments or the balanced attack of PSU’s offense.

Regular Season Prediction: 9-3

Despite have most of the tough games at home, the Lions are likely to stumble again at Michigan and lose enough focus to drop two of the clashes against Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, all of whom will prove to be physical games. Despite this, it should prove to be an entertaining team to watch though on both sides of the ball.

Tom Hoffman, underscoreTom

This Week’s Game: Penn State 31, Texas A&M 13

All else equal, the fact remains that the entire A&M coaching staff is unemployed after the game as the Mike Sherman era begins. Kind of hard to get your team up for a middle-of-the-road bowl game when your next paycheck could be from the unemployment office. The Alamodome will be Aggieland for a day, but Penn State will cruise.

Regular Season Prediction: 10-2

There is enough talent to be better than 10-2, but Michigan just has Penn State's number. There figures to be one other close loss, as well. However, there are some seniors that aren't going to let inexperience at some positions and lack of depth at others (or, both) get in the way of another New Year's Day bowl game.

Tom McLaughlin, WeRPSUPlaybook

This Week’s Game: Penn State 31, Texas A&M 17

It's got to be tough for Texas A&M's lame duck coaching staff to prepare for a bowl game. Say what you will about the Nittany Lion staff, bowl prep is one area where they are unmatched. A healthy team, and plenty of time to prepare spells long day for the Aggies.

Regular Season Prediction: 10-2

With a break here and a break there, 2007 could be a magical year for the Nittany Lions. A few different breaks could set a completely different tone. Paterno teams traditionally improve during the season, peaking at bowl time. Early season contests with Notre Dame and Michigan will require this team to come together early. If they do, there could be something special in Happy Valley.

Scott Neal, PSUMtnBike

This Week’s Game: Penn State 31, Texas A&M 17

No one prepares for a bowl game as well as Joe Paterno.

Regular Season Prediction: 9-3

I'll start this out like the last several years. A Joe Paterno led team will have a tough time beating Michigan. Too conservative game planning coaches with Michigan always holding a big advantage at line play. Unless Paterno and company take chances, it's another loss. Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and even a team like Illinois will give the Lions all they can handle.

Rob Riva, rriva

This Week’s Game: Penn State 24, Texas A&M 20

Although the Aggies running game has the potential to be very dangerous, the time off to prepare should give the Nittany Lions the confidence they can stop the run. As long as the Penn State offense can keep the mental and physical errors to a minimum, the Nittany Lions should come away with a bowl victory.

Regular Season Prediction: 11-1

While there is nothing to suggest things will change and Penn State can beat Michigan this year, if you have to play Ohio State and Wisconsin, you want them at home. Of note, people forget the distinct home advantage that exists in the Buckeyes-Nittany Lions' series. The defense should pick up where last year's unit left off and the offense can't be any more pedestrian than it was last year.

Jamie Trescavage, jsT10

This Week’s Game: Penn State 27, Texas A&M 13

After leaving East Lansing with a bitter taste in their collective mouths, the Nittany Lions will rebound against the lame duck Aggies. While some of the seniors showed leadership this season, this game will be an opportunity for underclassmen to start strong for 2008.

Regular Season Prediction: 10-2

With a pretty pedestrian non-conference schedule (yes, including Notre Dame) and the majority of big games at home, Penn State should again challenge for the Big Ten title. Until Joe Paterno and company can figure out a way to play 60 minutes (not 58:58 or 60:02) against Michigan, it is difficult to predict a Nittany Lion victory in that series. Also, the young Nittany Lions will stumble somewhere along the way--most likely against Wisconsin or Ohio State.

*Note: Point spread is from Monday to allow timely picks.

Win/loss record is based on beating the point spread.