Penn State brings its undefeated record to Wisconsin for an intriguing prime-time Big Ten game as the Nittany Lions visit the Badgers on Saturday night. Football no. 3 Penn State is trying to start a 7-0 season for the third time under head coach James Franklin, who is 3-0 against the Badgers.

Saturday’s game is more than just a warm-up for the Nittany Lions’ home showdown with Ohio State on Nov. 2. It represents a significant proving ground on Penn State’s road to the College Football Playoff. What is at stake? Here’s a look at Saturday’s Penn State-Wisconsin game.

RELATED: Penn State vs. Wisconsin preview, stories, predictions

Penn State (6-0) vs. Wisconsin (5-2)

How to watch Penn State-Wisconsin

NBC will air the Penn State-Wisconsin game during the Big Ten Saturday Night window. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET from Camp Randall Stadium. Noah Engle and former Penn State quarterback Todd Blackledge are on the air, with Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sidelines.

For streamers, Peacock will also carry the game.

This is Penn State’s second appearance on NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night this season. The Nittany Lions defeated Illinois 21-7 in a primetime game at Beaver Stadium in September.

What is the Penn State-Wisconsin betting line?

Penn State is a 6.5-point favorite over Wisconsin, according to DraftKingswhich set the over/under at 47.5 points. Penn State is 1-4 against the spread this season, covering only a 56-0 win over Kent State in September.

Penn State-Wisconsin Weather Report

According to AccuWeatherSaturday night looks great for prime-time Big Ten football. The weather service projects mostly clear skies, light winds and a temperature of 58 degrees at the start.

History of the Penn State-Wisconsin series

The Nittany Lions lead the overall series against Wisconsin 11-9. However, Penn State is 11-7 against the Badgers since joining the Big Ten and has won five straight in the series. Wisconsin holds a 6-5 series advantage at Camp Randall Stadium, although Penn State has won its last two games there, including last meeting of 2021.

What to expect from Penn State vs. Wisconsin

After four weeks of asserting its running game, Penn State didn’t hold the ball well against California schools, totaling just 211 yards against UCLA and USC. Nicholas Singleton’s absence against UCLA it certainly mattered, and the running back didn’t show up at USC at full strength. With a week off, Singleton should be refreshed and explosive again.

Penn State brings a ton of statistical advantages to the game, ranking among the top four teams in the Big Ten in scoring offense, scoring defense, total defense, total defense, quarterback rating and rushing attack. Also watch the big game comparison. Penn State ranks second nationally in explosive field goal percentage (19.13 percent), while Wisconsin ranks 118th (10.66 percent). The Nittany Lions can quickly turn deficits into advantages due to their ability to shock opponents with big plays.

And while Penn State hasn’t overwhelmed teams from the start, they might be the best third-quarter team in the country. The Nittany Lions tied the score in the first quarter (24-24) but outscored their opponents 59-3 in the third quarter. USC got the only points, a field goal, and that was a win for Penn State’s defense, as the Trojans had a short field on an interception.

Wisconsin, which has allowed one touchdown in last three gameshas a defense worth watching. The Badgers rank seventh nationally in passing yards allowed per game (155.9) and give up just 3.9 yards per attempt, the fewest in the nation.

What are the stakes in the Penn State-Wisconsin game?

The third-ranked Nittany Lions have a huge home game against Ohio State on Nov. 2, one that former President Donald Trump may also be in attendance. And yet, this trip to Wisconsin might be more important in the long run. Penn State can afford to lose to the Buckeyes and still make the College Football Playoff as long as they sweep the rest of their schedule. However, the Nittany Lions may not be able to afford back-to-back losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State, which would set 21-7 win over Illinois as their best in the regular season.

Penn State doesn’t want to weld a committee debating the merits of its program during December’s playoff bubble conversations. A win in Madison clinches Penn State’s playoff berth, especially considering the team will be favored in its final four games: home against Washington, road against Purdue and Minnesota, home against Maryland.

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Game odds are periodically updated and subject to change.

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