2022 Outback Bowl Betting

The Outback Bowl typically kicks off the New Year’s Day lineup of college football bowl games. Although not a College Football Playoff game, it draws quite a few viewers due to its New Year’s Day status. This game takes place in Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium—home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Announced on Dec. 5, the 2022 Outback Bowl will feature the Penn State Nittany Lions (7–5) and Arkansas Razorbacks (8–4). As is tradition with this bowl, Penn State is representing the Big Ten while Arkansas is representing the SEC. The following guide covers both teams and offers advice on Outback Bowl betting.

2022 Outback Bowl

Playing under eighth-year head coach James Franklin, Penn State came into the 2021 campaign with a No. 19 ranking. The Nittany Lions quickly ran this ranking up to No. 4 after a 5–0 start that included wins over Wisconsin, Auburn, and Indiana.

However, the Nittany Lions have since struggled. They lost three games in a row to Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio State. The Illinois loss was a brutal 9-overtime affair that set an NCAAF record. Penn State went 2–2 down the stretch to finish 7–5 (4–5 Big Ten) in the regular season.

As if the second-half slide isn’t bad enough, this team is missing key players. Star receiver Johan Dotson and safety Jaquan Brisker have opted out to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. PSU could also be missing multiple linebackers and starting LT Rasheed Walker due to injury.

What’s left? Quarterback Sean Clifford leads a mediocre Penn State offense that averages 26.1 points (83rd nationally) and 369.1 yards (86th) per game. Sean Clifford has thrown for 2,912 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. However, he’ll sorely miss Dotson, who finished the season with 1,182 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

Penn State’s bread and butter is definitely defense. The Nittany Lions hold their opponents to just 16.7 points (5th nationally) and 349.7 yards (27th) per game. LB Ellis Brooks (100 tackles) and DE Arnold Ebiketie (9.5 sacks) will try to make up for Brisker’s departure.

Second-year head coach Sam Pittman is enjoying a much better season this time around. After going 3–7 last year, Pittman’s team is 8–4 with a 4–4 SEC mark.

The Razorbacks have had a similar college football season to Penn State. They began the year 4–0 and notched early wins over Texas and Texas A&M. However, the team suffered a three-game skid afterward that included losses to Georgia, Auburn, and Ole Miss. The team rebounded, though, to win four of the last five games. The only loss during this stretch was a 42–35 contest to No. 1 Alabama.

Arkansas won’t be missing as much talent as Penn State for this game. However, WR Treylon Burks did declare for the NFL Draft after racking up 1,104 receiving yards and 11 TD’s.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson, who’s passed for 2,578 yards, 20 TD’s, and three INT’s, will need to rely on other weapons. Jefferson leads an offense that averages 30.3 points and 436.1 yards (31st nationally) per game. The rushing attack contributes an impressive 211.5 yards (20th) per game.

The Razorbacks are average on defense, giving up 25.9 points and 384.4 yards per game. LB Bumper Pool (120 tackles) and DB Montaric Brown (5 interceptions) headline the defense.

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US sports betting sites were quick to release lines for this game after the teams were announced. The Nittany Lions opened as a slight favorite before their NFL Draft declarations and injuries became public knowledge. Arkansas has since become the favored team on the 2022 Outback Bowl betting lines.

Outback Bowl Moneyline Odds

A moneyline bet involves placing a straight-up bet on which team will win the game. Of course, both sides have handicapped lines to help even out the betting action. The common Penn State vs Arkansas moneyline is as follows:

• Penn State Nittany Lions +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
• Arkansas Razorbacks -120 (bet $120 to win $100)

PSU is just 2–5 straight up (SU) in its last seven contests. Arkansas is 4–4 SU over its last seven games. BetMGM Sportsbook is currently offering the best value on Arkansas’ moneyline at -115. PointsBet Sportsbook is among the sportsbooks providing the most favorable +100 betting odds on Penn State.

Outback Bowl Point Spread Odds

The point spread takes points from the favorite and gives them to the underdog. Your goal is to figure out which of the teams will cover their spread. The common Penn State vs Arkansas spread is:

• Nittany Lions +1 (-110)
• Razorbacks -1 (-110)

Both schools are 7–5 against the spread (ATS) this season. Penn State is 3–2 ATS in its last five contests, and Arkansas is 2–3 ATS over the same span.

Unibet Online Sportsbook is one betting site that’s currently got Arkansas at -1. BetMGM has Penn State at a favorable +1.5 spread.

Outback Bowl Over/Under Odds

The over/under bet (totals) involve choosing if two teams will combine for more or less than the given total. The average over/under for this Outback Bowl matchup is:

• Over 48 (-110)
• Under 48 (-110)

The Nittany Lions have seen the over just three times in their 12 games. The Razorbacks, meanwhile, have seen the over in seven of their 12 outings.

If you like the over, then DraftKings Online Sportsbook is one sportsbook with the over 48 line. PointsBet has a 48.5 under line, but you’ll be facing -115 juice instead of the more-common -110 juice.

Outback Bowl Prop Bets

Prop bets involve outcomes that aren’t tied to the final score or game winner. They’re common in popular bowl games, including the Outback Bowl. Speaking of which, here are some notable prop wagers for this game:

• First half winning margin
• Will the game’s total points be odd or even
• Race to 20 points
• Will this game go to overtime
• What will the first turnover of the game be

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The Outback Bowl matches up Big Ten and SEC teams each year. As seen below, the SEC has fared better in this decade with a 6–4 record:

South Carolina has won the most Outback Bowls with four titles. Six other teams, meanwhile, are tied with 3 wins apiece. Penn State could join South Carolina at the top if it wins:

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Penn State vs Arkansas is a tricky proposition due to the injuries and players leaving early for the NFL Draft. Nevertheless, we do have some sports betting tips on this game.

Arkansas -120

The Nittany Lions were the favorites in early December. However, much has changed for them with two star players entering the Draft and multiple injuries. Given that PSU was only a small favorite before, we think that the pendulum has definitely swung in the Razorbacks’ favor.

Arkansas -1

The same logic applies to this betting tip. If they can win, Arkansas will more than likely win by more than one point. Even if they only win by one, though, you’ll at least get your money back.

Over 48

These teams average 56.4 points together. The over/under is so low because of Penn State’s elite defense. With multiple players missing from it, though, we like these schools to combine for over 48 points.

Both Teams to Score 20+ Points

PSU is missing defensive starters, and Arkansas averages 30.3 points. Furthermore, Penn State scores 26.1 points, and the Razorbacks give up 25.9 points. That said we like both of these schools to reach the 20-point mark.