One of the biggest games of the season has produced one of the most surprising lines.

Following Penn State’s impressive 29-point win over Michigan, in which the undefeated Nittany Lions put up 42 points against one of the best defenses in the country, the now-No. 2 team in the country was tagged a 6½-point underdog at Ohio State.

It wasn’t a line to take advantage of immediately. You had to have doubt. What did Vegas know? What were you missing?

Well, several advanced metrics believe the Buckeyes are better than Penn State on both sides of the ball — and even outrank No. 1 Alabama on some sites. Of course, this is one of many reasons why the BCS had to die. Computers can’t be trusted. Somehow, Ohio State isn’t penalized for being manhandled by Oklahoma earlier this season.

Plus, if the Buckeyes are given the standard three-point edge for home field, it’s too generous. In September, in one of the biggest non-conference games ever at Ohio State, the Sooners utterly embarrassed their hosts. In 2015, Ohio State — one of the most talented non-title teams ever — suffered its lone loss of the season at home. In 2014, the eventual national champion Buckeyes also had their only loss of the season at home, to Virginia Tech.

Though Urban Meyer said this week “revenge” for last year’s loss at Penn State is a motivator, the Nittany Lions are probably also motivated to claim a Big Ten title, a playoff berth and a national championship. Cross that one off, too.

Sure, Meyer is incredible after a week off, going 20-1 in his career, but with Ohio State, he never has faced a ranked opponent in such a situation, and only faced a top-10 team three times.

And though the Buckeyes’ offense finally has come together in the past four games — averaging 57 points — they now face the top-ranked scoring defense in the nation instead of UNLV or Rutgers or Maryland or Nebraska, teams with a combined record of 11-17.

Penn State (+6½) will be ready again, equipped with the most talented player in the nation (Saquon Barkley), experience in big games, and explosiveness on both sides of the ball, leading the Big Ten in sacks and tackles for loss.

Don’t overthink it.

Stanford (-20¹/₂) over OREGON STATE: Heisman Trophy contender Bryce Love finally has the chance to have all of the sport’s eyes on him for once this season.

ILLINOIS (+25½) over Wisconsin: The public pushed me to this. It’s on them.

North Carolina (+20) over Miami: Against the lowly Tar Heels, the Hurricanes can look ahead to Virginia Tech and still come out on top.

WEST VIRGINIA (+7½) over Oklahoma State: The Cowboys have had enough chances to convince us they’re for real. In two Big 12 road games — at Texas Tech and Texas — Oklahoma State has won by a total of 10 points, and the Mountaineers present a far tougher challenge.

Rutgers (+24) over MICHIGAN: The Wolverines just aren’t capable of running up the score, like in last year’s 78-0 mauling. Michigan is averaging just 21.4 points over the past five games.

Georgia (-13) over Florida (at Jacksonville, Fla.): The cocktail party will be the only entertaining part of the day. After winning the past three meetings, the Gators’ 95th-ranked offense could be held to single-digits against the nation’s fourth-ranked defense.

Tcu (-6½) over IOWA STATE: The Horned Frogs are too balanced to stumble like Oklahoma did against the Cyclones three weeks ago.

WASHINGTON (-17) over Ucla: The Huskies have had two weeks to prepare since their shocking first loss of the season. The Bruins could have two years to prepare and their 113th-ranked defense still would look clueless. UCLA is allowing an average of 51 points in three road games this year.

NOTRE DAME (-7) over North Carolina State: Outside of the one-point loss to undefeated Georgia, the Fighting Irish have won by an average of more than 29 points, and won every game by at least 20 points, including matchups with Michigan State and USC. The Wolfpack have won six straight, but haven’t yet played a team currently ranked in the Top 25.

Duke (+15½) over VIRGINIA TECH: The Blue Devils have followed a 4-0 start with four straight losses, but should be able to get up for their biggest game left this season. The past four meetings between the teams have been decided by a field goal or less.

Georgia Tech (+14) over CLEMSON: The Yellow Jackets may have trouble running against the Tigers’ terrific front, but Clemson could have just as much trouble moving the ball against a defense which has given up an average of 16.6 points over the past five games.

Texas Tech (+20) over OKLAHOMA: The Sooners haven’t won by double-digits since Sept. 16, and have allowed an average of 39 points over their past four games. The guys coached by Ryan Gosling (aka Kliff Kingsbury) can still score, averaging more than 40 points per game this season.

ARIZONA (+3) over Washington State: Ahh, the ol’ Admiral Ackbar — “It’s a trap!” — special. Stay up late to watch Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate, who turned 19 this week, and recently became the first player in nearly 30 years to be named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week three times in a row, having rushed for nearly 14 yards per carry, while completing 72 percent of his passes this season.

Usc (-3¹/₂) over ARIZONA STATE: I believe in bucking perception more than I believe in the Trojans, but Sam Darnold has no better opportunity to win back fans than with a matchup against the nation’s 98th-ranked pass defense.

Best bets: Washington, Notre Dame, Texas Tech

This season: 64-55-1

Best bets: 16-8

2014-16 record: 381-370-7