Miami Hurricanes vs Pitt Panthers Betting Preview: Pickett, Panthers Continue Pursuit of ACC Coastal Crown

Maybe Pitt’s win over Clemson last week does not mean as much as it has in the past, but it shows the Panthers might just be for real this season. A run to an ACC title might not land them a berth in the College Football Playoff, but it could potentially land quarterback Kenny Pickett a trip to the Heisman Trophy ceremony and a lot of money next year.

Miami is off a nice win too, which they desperately needed. It has not been a good season overall, but beating ranked North Carolina State was their best win of the year so far.

This is a matchup of two former Big East foes, but while the Hurricanes dominated in that era, it looks like it will be the Panthers doing the punishing on Saturday.

Miami Hurricanes (3-4) vs Pitt Panthers (6-1), ACC Network, 12:00 p.m. ET

Miami Hurricanes vs Pitt Panthers College Football Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Miami Hurricanes +310
• Pitt Panthers -420

Total

• OVER 61.5 (-110)
• UNDER 61.5 (-110)

Spread

• Miami Hurricanes +9.5 (-112)
• Pitt Panthers -9.5 (-108)

Miami Hurricanes vs. Pitt Panthers college football betting odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Miami Hurricanes vs Pitt Panthers Best Bet

Over 61.5

While it has been a tough season for Miami, they have been in all of their games in ACC play. After losing by two to Virginia and three to North Carolina, the Hurricanes edged N.C. State by a point last Saturday to pick up their first conference win.

QB Tyler Van Dyke has assumed the job by default and has run with it. Last week was his best game of the season, as he threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. The offense can be good, but the defense has been suspect all season long, especially against the pass.

That is Pitt’s strength this season, so Miami might be in big trouble. I think the whole college football world is a little stunned with how the Panthers are throwing the ball all over the field. Pickett is experienced but has never put up numbers like this, nor been asked to. His success has him in the conversation as a potential first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft, and he has also played his way into the top four of the Heisman odds at a lot of sportsbooks.

This is not traditional Pitt football, but how can you argue with their success? Not even facing a very good Clemson defense troubled them much. Pitt’s defense hasn’t been perfect this season, but the unit has improved as the season has progressed.

Pitt is fourth in the nation in scoring, averaging 45 points per game. Based on what we have seen from Miami this season, I would be surprised if they can hold them to any less than that. If they keep it competitive, it will be because they get their own offense going too. Both teams can hit seasonal averages and this over will cash pretty easily.

Miami vs Pittsburgh College Football Score Prediction

Pitt 45, Miami 31