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Pitt at Mississippi State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Pitt at Mississippi State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 19 Pitt Panthers (7-1) and the Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-1) meet Wednesday at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Miss. Tip-off is set for 9:15 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Pitt vs. Mississippi State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Pitt hits the road for Stark Vegas looking for a second consecutive road win. The Panthers posted a thrilling 91-90 OT win at the Ohio State Buckeyes last time out on Friday as a 5-point underdog as the Over (146.5) cashed. It was a nice bounce-back game after suffering an 81-75 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers at Colonial Hall at the Greenbrier Resort.

The Panthers have covered 4 of the past 5 games, and 6 of 8 to date, while the Over has cashed in each of the past 2 games. Pitt has faced an SEC foe already, too, winning 74-63 against the LSU Tigers, also at Greenbrier, covering as a 7.5-point favorite as the Under (144) hit.

Mississippi State suffered its first loss against the Butler Bulldogs, losing 87-77 Friday at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Ariz. as an 8.5-point favorite as the Over (144.5) cashed. The Bulldogs are just 2-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games, while the Over has hit in 3 of the past 4 outings, while going 5-2 in 7 games this season.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Pitt at Mississippi State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:49 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pitt +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Mississippi State -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread: Pitt +5.5 (-105) | Mississippi State +5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pitt at Mississippi State picks and predictions

Prediction

Pitt 77, Mississippi State 74

Moneyline

PITT (+180) is a solid value on the road against Mississippi State (-225) for the opportunity to nearly double up.

The Panthers have already recorded wins over Ohio State, LSU and the West Virginia Mountaineers, including the road win against the Buckeyes.

The Bulldogs are less battle tested, and will have their hands full with the high-octane Panthers.

Against the spread

PITT +5.5 (-105) is catching nearly 3 buckets in this road battle, and that’s a great play if you can’t bring yourself to pick the Panthers straight up,

Pitt has posted an impressive 5-2 ATS mark in 7 games, including an outright win as an underdog in its only true road game to date.

Mississippi State -5.5 (-115) is 2-1 ATS in 3 games at home this season, but this is easily the best opponent coming into Humphrey so far.

Over/Under

OVER 149.5 (-110) is the lean, but be very careful not to go overboard.

The Over has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for Mississippi State, while going 2-1 in 3 home games to date.

For Pitt, the Over has cashed in each of the past 2 outings, including Pitt’s only true road game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Clemson at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Clemson at Pitt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 16th-ranked Clemson Tigers (7-2, 6-1 ACC) and Pitt Panthers (7-2, 3-2) meet Saturday. Kickoff from Acrisure Stadium is scheduled for noon ET (ESPN / ESPN+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Clemson vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

These teams have the same overall record, but they’ve taken different ways to get here.

Clemson opened the season getting dusted by Georgia, 34-3, on a neutral field Aug. 31. It has won 7 of 8 games since, with only a 33-21 loss to Louisville Nov. 2. The Tigers are just 2-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 outings. The Under has cashed in 5 of the past 6 contests, too.

Pitt opened the season with 7 straight wins, but it has dropped back-to-back games at SMU and home to Virginia. Last week’s loss to the Hoos was especially surprising, dropping a 24-19 game as a 7.5-point favorite as the Under (57) cashed. The Under is 4-1 in the past 5 outings.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Clemson at Pitt odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 8:37 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Clemson -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Pitt +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
Against the spread: Clemson -11.5 (-110) | Pitt +11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Clemson at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

Clemson 26, Pitt 20

Moneyline

Clemson (-450) will cost you nearly 5 times your potential return, and you can’t risk that much for a standalone bet or as part of a multi-leg parlay. Including the Tigers sucks all of the value out of your parlay ticket.

AVOID.

Against the spread

PITT +11.5 (-110) has seen the offense dry up in the past 2 losses, averaging just 22.0 PPG, while the defense has coughed up 36.0 PPG. The Panthers need to get back to basics to avoid a third consecutive setback.

Clemson -11.5 (-110) is tough, but it has had issues of its own on defense, allowing 31 or more points in 2 of the past 3 outings. The Tigers are just 2-3 ATS in the past 5 games, and Clemson is 1-3 ATS in the past 4 outings as a double-digit favorite. Back the Panthers.

Over/Under

UNDER 52.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

The total has gone low in 2 in a row, and 5 of the past 6 games, for Clemson. And, for Pitt, the Under has cashed in 4 of the previous 5 outings.

These teams have met each other 4 times since Nov. 12, 2016, with the Under cashing in each of the 2 meetings in Pittsburgh.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Virginia at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Virginia at Pitt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Virginia Cavaliers (4-4, 2-3 ACC) and 23rd-ranked Pitt Panthers (7-1, 3-1) meet Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Virginia vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Cavaliers are in freefall, dropping 3 straight games. Virginia suffered a 41-14 loss against North Carolina last weekend as a 3.5-point favorite as the Under (59) cashed. The Hoos saw a 4-0 against the spread (ATS) run snapped. The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings, too.

Pitt headed down to Dallas last weekend undefeated through the first 7 games, but SMU handed the Panthers their lunch, 48-25. Pitt was 6-1 ATS in the first 7 games before the non-cover in Dallas. The Over (56) cashed, halting a 3-game Under run, too.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Virginia at Pitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Virginia +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Pitt -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Virginia +7 (-110) | Pitt -7 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Virginia at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

Pitt 34, Virginia 28

Moneyline

Pitt (-275) will set you back nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

The Panthers would be a bad play anyway, but especially after struggling last week on the road against SMU.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Take VIRGINIA +7 (-110) catching the points, but make sure to tread lightly.

The past couple of games have been a disaster for the Hoos, but they’ve had 2 weeks off to prepare. We should see a much better effort for Virginia after the long rest. In addition, UVA is 4-1 ATS in the past 5 outings, so it makes plenty of sense to back it.

Pitt -7 (-110) is 1-2 ATS in the past 3 games, and it is 1-2 ATS in the past 3 meetings with Virginia, too.

Over/Under

OVER 57.5 (-110) is a strong play in the Steel City.

The Over has cashed in the past 2 meetings, and the winner in 5 of the past 6 in the series has managed at least 30 points.

The total has gone low in 3 of the past 4 games for UVA, but the defense has allowed 44.5 PPG in the past 2 outings.

Pitt is good for 25 or more points in 7 of 8 outings this season, and it was dinged for 48 points last time out. The Panthers have averaged 44.8 PPG in 5 games at home, too.

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Pitt at SMU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pitt at SMU odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 17th-ranked Pitt Panthers (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) and 20th-ranked SMU Mustangs (7-1, 4-0) meet Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Pitt vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Pitt has won all 7 games, including road wins against North Carolina and Cincinnati. It is also 6-1 against the spread (ATS), while scoring 28 or more points in 6 of its 7 outings. The defense has limited the opposition to 17 or fewer points in 3 of the past 4 games, with the Under cashing in 3 straight.

SMU turned the ball over 6 times last week at Duke, posting a minus-6 differential, but it still picked up a 28-27 OT win. However, it failed to cover as an 11-point favorite, halting a 4-0 ATS run. The Over has hit in 4 of the past 5 games for the Mustangs, too.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Pitt at SMU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pitt +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | SMU -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread: Pitt +7.5 (-120) | SMU -7.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Pitt at SMU picks and predictions

Prediction

SMU 29, Pitt 24

Moneyline

SMU (-300) will cost you 3 times your potential return, which is way too much risk for not enough reward, especially against a Pitt (+240) team which is unbeaten to date.

AVOID, and let’s look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

Play PITT +7.5 (-120), which is quite a lot of points for an unbeaten team to catch. The hook might be very important, too.

SMU -7.5 (+100) just turned it over 6 times last week at Duke, but found a way to win. If the Mustangs are that mistake-prone against the unbeaten Panthers, Pitt will leave the Metroplex with a convincing victory.

As it stands, the Panthers are a strong play, as they’re 6-1 ATS this season, including 2-0 ATS in both previous road contests.

On the flip side, the only loss for the Mustangs came at home Sept. 6 against BYU, 18-15, as 12.5-point favorites.

Over/Under

UNDER 56.5 (-105) is a decent play in this huge ACC clash with conference championship game implications.

The Over has hit in 4 of the past 5 games for SMU, so be careful. However, the SMU defense has allowed 18 or fewer points in 4 of the past 7 outings.

For Pitt, the Under is on a 3-0 roll, with the defense allowing just 14.0 points per game in the previous 2 contests. Don’t be surprised if this one is a lot more defensive than many expect.

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Syracuse at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Syracuse at Pitt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Syracuse Orange (5-1, 2-1 ACC) visit the Pitt Panthers (6-0, 2-0) for a key Thursday matchup in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The opening kickoff at Acrisure Stadium will be at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around Syracuse vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Syracuse last played on Oct. 12 when it earned its 3rd straight victory (and 2nd straight on the road) with a 24-17 triumph at North Carolina State. The Orange, whose 365.2 passing yards per game rank 2nd in the ACC, threw for 346 yards against the Wolfpack, and SU also benefited from a plus-3 in turnover margin.

The Panthers — the No. 20-ranked squad in the US LBM Coaches Poll — are 6-0 for the 1st time since 1982. Their last game was also on Oct. 12 when they edged Cal 17-15 to keep that unbeaten mark intact.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Syracuse at Pitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:47 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Syracuse +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Pitt -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Syracuse +6.5 (-110) | Pitt -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Syracuse at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

Pitt 31, Syracuse 20

Moneyline

PASS.

The Panthers get the value nod here, but look for better return-on-investment leverage taking Pitt minus the points.

Against the spread

This fall, Pitt is 3-1 ATS at home. Since last season, the Panthers are 6-1 ATS over their last 7 home games.

These teams met last season in Syracuse (Nov. 11), and the Orange rushed for 392 yards and were a turnover plus-3 in a 28-13 win over the Panthers. SU had a defensive score and 2 scoring drives under 55 yards en route to earning a win as a 3.5-point underdog. Over 5 previous meetings since 2018, Pitt had gone 4-1 ATS.

The Orange have benefited from going 3-1 in 1-score games. Postgame win expectancy figures for SU’s last 2 such games (Oct. 4 win at UNLV, Oct. 12 win at NC State) are factors that tease out Syracuse as a fade candidate as late-October rolls around.

SU likes to throw the ball, and its analytics in doing so are solid. But they have also been earned against a weak group of teams that don’t defend the pass very well. Neither does Pitt, but the Panthers can be good enough, especially alongside a hefty havoc rate and some other factors that may force Syracuse into more 2nd- and 3rd-and-long situations.

Pitt is also a pass-first offense, but look for the Panthers to find better success against a more porous SU aerial defense. Pitt also sports the better red-zone offense, power-running, and line-yards numbers.

BACK THE PANTHERS -6.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Last year’s game cashed on an Over 38, but the previous 4 series meetings hit the Under. The Under is 4-1 across SU’s last 5 games.

Pitt’s pace of play has slowed a bit in recent weeks. This game does not set up for a slew of explosive plays, and both sides can force 3-point attempts when backed up.

TAKE THE UNDER 62.5 (-105).

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Cal at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Cal at Pitt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Cal Golden Bears (3-2, 0-2 ACC) meet the 24th-ranked Pitt Panthers (4-1, 1-1) Saturday at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Kickoff in the ACC game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Cal vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Golden Bears are coming off an excruciatingly painful loss to 6th-ranked Miami last week. Cal was up 35-10, but Miami rallied for the 39-38 win. There was controversy, as QB Fernando Mendoza appeared to be hit in the helmet late in the game, but no targeting was called. A 1st down on that penalty would have helped Cal salt the game away for a 38-32 win.

Mendoza was sharp with 285 passing yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT, while star RB Jaydn Ott struggled with 7 rushes for 2 yards and a score, but he did have 3 receptions for 75 yards and another TD.

The Panthers are a surprising 5-0 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) through 5 outings. Pitt is coming off a 34-24 road win over North Carolina as a 2.5-point favorite as the Under (62.5) cashed. The Over is 3-0 in 3 home games, and the Under is 2-0 in 2 road contests.

Cal is 1-1 SU/ATS in 2 road contests, while cashing the Under in both of its forays onto the road.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Cal at Pitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 12:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cal +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Pitt -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread: Cal +3 (-105) | Pitt -3 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Cal at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

Pitt 31, Cal 26

Moneyline

PITT (-155) isn’t a bad play as a moderate favorite if you’re really conservative, and just want to pick a winner straight up.

Personally, it’s not my favorite play, as laying 3 or fewer points isn’t a big deal. Unless you’re convinced Pitt will win, but only by 1 or 2 points, just look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

PITT -3 (-115) is a much more economical play laying the little bit of points. Pitt is 5-0 ATS, so there isn’t much reason not to like it.

Cal +3 (-105) is coming off a horrendous collapse, and the disappointment of not getting what appeared to be a clear targeting call. Now, it must travel cross-country to face an unbeaten team. The last time it flew east of the Mississippi, it had a lackluster 14-9 loss to Florida State, which is still the only game the Seminoles have won to date.

Over/Under

UNDER 58.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

Last week the Golden Bears were involved in a shootout, but that’s a bit of an anomaly. Cal cashed Under in the 1st 4 games, allowing 14 or fewer points in each of those contests.

For Pitt, the Over is 3-0 in 3 home games, but 2 of those games are against FCS Youngstown State and a terrible winless Kent State team. The Panthers won’t have nearly the same kind of offensive success against a sturdy Golden Bears D.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Pitt at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pitt at North Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Pitt Panthers (4-0, 0-0 ACC) and North Carolina Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1) tangle in a Week 6 conference contest in Chapel Hill Saturday. Kickoff at Kenan Stadium is set for noon ET (ESPN2).Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around Pitt vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Pitt heads into this contest off a bye week. The Panthers last played Sept. 21 when they decimated FCS Youngstown State 73-17. A quick-snap Pitt offense ranks 6th in the nation in total yards per game (522.8) and 5th in scoring (48.5 points per game).

North Carolina lost 21-20 at Duke Sept. 28, suffering its 2nd straight loss. The Tar Heels, who were 1.5-point favorites, led their in-state rivals 20-0 midway through the 3rd quarter, but Duke scored the final 3 touchdowns — 2 in the 4th quarter — to claim the win. UNC has not covered in its last 9 games, going 0-8-1 against the spread (ATS) along the way.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Pitt at North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 12:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Pitt -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | North Carolina +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread: Pitt -2.5 (-115) | North Carolina +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pitt at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 35, Pitt 34

Moneyline

The Panthers and Tar Heels (+115) logged similar games in their last 2 meetings. In 2022, UNC defeated Pitt 42-24 in Chapel Hill as a 3-point favorite. In 2023, the Tar Heels downed the Panthers 41-24 in Pittsburgh as 7-point favorites.

UNC leads the all-time series, which includes 1 bowl game, 12-5. The Tar Heels are 7-0 in all-time meetings in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels are a lean here, but better value can be found in taking the points. PASS.

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Against the spread

Since 2003, North Carolina is 7-3 ATS in this series.

Pitt has played 2 close games. Both were wins that could have easily gone the other way. The Panthers trailed by 2 TDs heading into the 4th quarter of a Sept. 7 contest at Cincinnati (UP prevailed 28-27). Pitt was then a turnover-plus-2 in a 38-34 home win over West Virginia the following week.

Passing is a strength for the Panthers, but that’s an area where North Carolina rates solidly in defensive success rate. And on offense, UNC can sling it, too. The Tar Hells have passed for 726 yards over the last 2 week, and pass defense is a success-rate liability for Pitt.

Pitt has logged 1 FBS game since Sept. 14. Might the Panthers — who have had slow starts before — struggle with a sleepy noon kickoff in what marks their 1st road game in 4 weeks?

A ML price change indicating money on the home side has not been as much reflected here, and there is value on NORTH CAROLINA +2.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Over hit the last 2 meetings and is 8-2 across the last 10.

On a good-weather day in a game that should have plenty of passing on both sides, BACK THE OVER 63.5 (-110).

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Louisville at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Louisville at Pitt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Pitt Panthers (1-4, 0-2 ACC) welcome the Louisville Cardinals (6-0, 3-0) to Acrisure Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (CW Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Louisville vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Louisville, No. 15 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, beat the No. 21 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Saturday, winning the prime-time Week 6 matchup 33-20 and covering as a 6-point home underdog. Louisville is 0-2-1 against the spread (ATS) away from home yet 2-0-1 ATS in its last 3 games. QB Jack Plummer leads the way offensively with 1,551 passing yards and 12 TDs.

Pitt had a byle in Week 6 after losing to Virginia Tech 38-21 on the road in Week 5 as a 3-point road favorite. It is 0-4-1 ATS this season and 0-2-1 ATS at home this season. QB Phil Jurkovec has been the main weapon on offense, totaling 818 passing yards and 7 total TDs. Pitt has lost both conference games this season by double figures.

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Louisville at Pitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Louisville -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Pitt +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): Louisville -7.5 (-110) | Pitt +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Louisville at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

Louisville 31, Pitt 17

Moneyline

PASS.

The Cardinals are the real deal, and they should win with ease on the road against a Pitt team that’s both struggled at home and against conference opponents. At -300 though, there’s no value on the favorite.

Against the spread

BET LOUISVILLE -7.5 (-110).

Louisville has been great on both sides of the ball. It sits 49th in the nation in opponents’ yards per play at 5.3. It has allowed 20 or fewer points in all but 2 games and has double-digit wins in 4 of 6 games. The Cardinals have only played 1 true road game (2 were at neutral sites) and pushed that in a 13-10 favorite at NC State. The Cardinals have topped 30 points in 4 of 6 games.

Pitt sits 73rd in opponents’ 3rd-down conversation rate, so it may struggle to keep the Cardinals’ offense off the field. The Panthers are 0-2-1 ATS at home and lost 41-24 in its last home game against the No. 12 UNC Tar Heels. Expect a similar game and for the Cards to dominate on the road. Take LOUISVILLE -7.5 (-110).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 44.5 (-110).

The Panthers are 4-1 O/U this season as they have allowed 25-plus points in 3 of 5 games and have allowed 38 or more in 2 straight games. Pitt has scored 20-plus points in 4 of 5 games as well, so it should be able to get on the board often.

The Cardinals have a strong offense and should be able to abuse the Panthers’ weak defense. Louisville is 2-3-1 O/U this season and has scored 102 points over its last 3 games.

Take OVER 44.5 (-110).

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North Carolina at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina at Pitt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Pitt Panthers (1-2) welcome the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) to Acrisure Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (ACCN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

North Carolina is 2-1 against the spread (ATS) this season, and it is coming off a 31-13 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in which it covered as a 7-point favorite. The Tar Heels are led by QB Drake Maye, who has 891 passing yards through 3 games and 4 TDs. He also has 4 INTs. North Carolina is No. 17 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Panthers opened the season with a 45-7 win over the Wofford Terriers but have lost 2 straight games, dropping Week 2 to the Cincinnati Bearcats 27-21 and Week 3 to the West Virginia Mountaineers 17-6. Pittsburgh is 0-2-1 ATS this season. It is led by QB Phil Jurkovec, who has 474 passing yards, 4 TDs and 3 INTs on the season.

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North Carolina at Pitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:17 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Pitt +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -7.5 (-105) | Pitt +7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 31, Pitt 17

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s nothing to see here.

A top-25 side going into a difficult environment is not worth a play at -300. Similarly, Pitt has lost to 2 teams, both of which are worse than UNC, and likely won’t win. Also, not worth a play at +240.

Against the spread

BET NORTH CAROLINA -7.5 (-105).

UNC is coming off a big-time win over Minnesota in which it looked like the preseason team everyone thought it would be. North Carolina rolled the Golden Gophers, beating them by 18 despite being just a 7-point favorite.

UNC has a drastic advantage at QB with Maye. Jurkovec has just a 46.7% completion rate and will struggle against the Tar Heels. The Panthers lost by 6 to Cincinnati in Week 2 despite being 6.5-point favorites. They aren’t worth backing here, and the quarterback difference makes the Tar Heels a strong play.

UNC is also 2-1 ATS while Pitt is 0-2-1 ATS, so the Tar Heels have been better than books have expected while the Panthers have struggled. Take NORTH CAROLINA -7.5 (-105).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 50.5 (-115).

The Tar Heels gave up 34 points to App State in Week 2, but other than that, they have allowed just 15 points per game in the other 2 weeks. They are 1-2 O/U.

Given Jurkovec’s accuracy issues, they may be able to limit the Panthers at home. The Tar Heels have also topped 31 just once this season while Pitt has held its opponent to 17 or fewer in 2 of 3 games.

Expect a sloppy game on Saturday and take UNDER 50.5 (-115).

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March Madness: Pitt vs. Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Pitt vs. Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pitt Panthers (24-11) battle the Xavier Musketeers (26-9) Sunday in the Round of 32 matchup from Greensboro Coliseum. Tip is set for 12:10 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pitt vs. Xavier odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 11th-seeded Panthers earned an at-large bid, but had to play in the First Four. They beat 11-seed Mississippi State 60-59 as a 2.5-point underdog. They then took down No. 6 Iowa State 59-41 as a 4-point underdog. The Panthers are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in postseason play.

The No. 3 Musketeers barely beat 14-seed Kennesaw State 72-67, but failed to cover as a 12-point favorite. Xavier is just 1-3 ATS in postseason play with the Under hitting in its last 3. The Musketeers are led by G Souley Boum, who is averaging 16.5 points per game.

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Pitt vs. Xavier odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:06 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pitt +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Xavier -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pitt +5.5 (-115) | Xavier -5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Pitt vs. Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 77, Pitt 71

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Musketeers got by a scare in the 1st round while Pitt abused the Cyclones. Nonetheless, backing the underdog at +180 here doesn’t make much sense given its season-long non-conference struggles.

Against the spread

LEAN XAVIER -5.5 (-115).

Xavier shot just 17% from deep against Kennesaw State, and for one of the 18 teams in the nation averaging more than 80 points per game that’s unlikely to occur again. The Musketeers should bounce back offensively, especially against the Panthers, who rank 174th in opponents’ points per game.

Pitt is 3-1 ATS in postseason play, and it has yet to cover in a loss. Pitt also had brutal early-season losses to West Virginia by 25, VCU by 4, Michigan by 31, and Vanderbilt by 1.

While Pitt has been hot, expect some regression here, and back XAVIER -5.5 (-115).

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 152.5 (-115).

Pitt has gone Under in both tournament games and has yet to score more than 60 in a postseason game. Xavier’s offense is why this total is so high, but it has gone Under in 3 straight games and has scored under 75 in its last 2. Xavier is 4-7 O/U in its last 11 games.

Xavier also gave up just 6 points in the last 9 minutes of its game against Kennesaw State. It can turn it up defensively, and that energy after a close battle should be there from the start. Back the UNDER 152.5 (-115).

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