The Miami Hurricanes (3-4, 1-2 ACC) and No. 19 Pittsburgh Panthers (6-1, 3-0) meet Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Heinz Field. Below, we look at the Miami vs. Pittsburgh odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Miami has had its last three games decided by a combined six points. The Hurricanes went 1-2 in those games, including a 31-30 victory over then-No. 18 North Carolina State Oct. 23. The ‘Canes defeated the Panthers 31-19 last year and have won three straight and five of the last six in the series.
The Panthers are coming off four straight wins, including a 27-17 home win over Clemson Oct. 23. Pitt outgained the Tigers 464 yards to 315, and finished a combined 10-for-20 in converting third and fourth downs. Pitt’s offense ranks sixth in the nation with a total yards-per-game average of 523.6.
Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Miami at Pittsburgh odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:10 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Miami +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Pittsburgh -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Miami +9.5 (-112) | Pittsburgh -9.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Miami at Pittsburgh odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Pittsburgh 31, Miami 24
Money line
PASS.
Miami has looked like an improving team of late in many respects. That notion hasn’t revealed itself in the win column and not in this week’s key pass-defense category either. Miami’s 245.0 passing yards allowed average ranks 93rd in the nation. It now faces QB Kenny Pickett and a Pitt aerial assault that ranks seventh nationally, piling up 350.0 yards per contest.
But Miami’s troubles against the pass are a bit front-loaded with a bad game against top-flight Alabama in Week 1 and a shaky Week 3 effort against Michigan State. In games since, the Hurricanes have faced top ACC quarterbacks like Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong and North Carolina’s Sam Howell. The pass-defense analytics have improved across the board.
That’s not to say Miami is elite or even above-average in stopping the pass. But the ‘Canes – with improving offensive performances of late also – are worth a long look at this price on the money line.
PASS on the current +290 tag, but Miami would make for an attractive plus-money play if it climbs to +315.
Against the spread
Some parts of the market had the Miami side getting +10.5 or better at the start of the week. Some of the air is out of the balloon at +9.5, but the visitors are perhaps worth a partial-unit play. BACK MIAMI +9.5 (-112).
Over/Under
This O/U line was in the mid-40s the last three meetings (2018-20) with the Under cashing twice. The Hurricanes being undervalued and a rainy forecast make for the Under being the likable wager here.
TAKE UNDER 61.5 (-110).
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