Tag: Pittsburgh Panthers

Meet Jaylen Twyman, Pitt’s dominant DL prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Pitt defensive line prospect Jaylen Twyman

If your favorite NFL team is looking for a defensive line prospect who can do it all, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and blowing up running backs in the backfield, Pitt’s Jaylen Twyman is their man in the 2021 NFL Draft.

One of the most versatile and disruptive defensive line prospects in next year’s draft class, Twyman recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season, which NFL players he likes to model his game after, and what’s next as he looks ahead to the draft.

JM: What can you tell me about your decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft?

JT: My decision came down to financials. My family needs me. My mom, my dad and my brother, they need me. I had some family matters that I can’t get into. I had to put my family first. That was the reason why I opted out.

JM: What’s the biggest challenge you expect to encounter with having so much time to prepare for the draft? Under normal circumstances, you’d still be playing competitive football right now.

JT: I honestly feel like I have a big advantage. I’m going to take this time to rest my body. I’m saving my body from extra punishment. I’m constantly in the gym working on my body. I’m getting stronger right now. I’m taking advantage of these months.

I’m working with my trainer and mentor, Sean Washington. He’s training me right now. I’m getting better every day. I’m literally at his gym right now. I’m taking advantage of this extra time to rest my body and improve my game. I’m not just sitting around. I’m down here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, putting some work in. I’m getting better mentally as well.

Yeah, I’m missing the opportunity to play live football right now. I’m not out there chasing quarterbacks down, but I am working with coach Chuck Smith on my pass rushing ability. He’s another mentor of mine. Coach Rodney Williams is working with me, as well. I have so many good people in my corner right now. These are experienced coaches with proven track records. They’re keeping me right and making sure I get in the best shape of my life.

Whenever I put the pads on again, I’ll be ready to go.

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What were some areas of your game that you were hoping to showcase on the field this season?

JT: Getting after the quarterback. I just wanted to show how complete my game is. I was speaking to a D-line coach the other day, and they asked me what I thought my best game was. They thought I was gonna talk about this one game where I had 3 sacks.

Instead, I talked about a game where I forced a fumble and made a couple of big plays in the run game. I just wanna show people that I’m a complete football player. That’s one of the things I’m focusing on. It’s not always about the sacks or the stats. That’s most of it, but I’m focused on being a good technical player.

JM: Speaking of stats, 2019 was your best season yet. You started 13 games, recording 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Did you expect to put up those eye-popping numbers?

JT: A lot of people ask me that. I don’t set goals. That’s not something I do. I just put in the work. I don’t set goals like that.

If you’re a bank robber, you don’t go into the bank trying to get a certain amount of money. You want all of the money. Isn’t that funny? I just work and whatever comes of it, that’s what it’s gonna be.

JM: What do you think led to such drastic improvement?

JT: Investing in my trainer, Sean Washington, definitely played a big role. He pushes me to my maximum. He’s the reason I’ve gotten way stronger as of late. My pass rush coach, Chuck Smith, definitely played a huge role as well. Coach Smith has helped become a pass rusher. He worked on my hips and what not. He saw my ability to flip my hips and took that part of my game to another level.

I went home and did a lot of foot activation and balance stuff with my football coach, Rodney Williams. They all taught me so much. I have a whole team behind me. They started pushing me harder.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What’s your favorite part of playing defensive tackle?

JT: I enjoy the one-on-one opportunities with the offensive guard. When the center slides away from me and I have the guard on an island, I could see him lowering his pads and I know it’s a passing play, I love getting that one-on-one.

JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?

JT: I’m gonna stay humble. I just like to let my actions speak louder than my words. I’m getting better right now. I’m constantly working.

JM: Do you feel like you have a go-to move, or are you still working on that?

JT: I walk around with a toolbox. I can reach into my bag and pull out a move. I have a flathead in there, a screwdriver, a wrench. Call me Bob the Builder (laughs).

JM: Do you feel like you’re more developed in the run game or as a pass rusher right now?

JT: I’m definitely a better pass rusher right now. I’d be lying to you if I said that I’m a better run stopper. I’m a pass rusher first and foremost. I’m gonna get after that quarterback. I’m coming on third down. I treat every play like it’s third down.

That’s another thing. I told you earlier that I’m trying to become a complete football player. Aaron Donald can stop the run, as well. Everybody knows he gets after the quarterback, but he can stop the run, too. That’s what I’m trying to be like. I want to do both, but I’ll always be known as a pass rusher first.

Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What was the biggest lesson you learned throughout your time at Pitt?

JT: My time there taught me to stay humble. I was red-shirted as soon as I arrived. I had to earn everything. Nothing was given to me. I have to thank the coaching staff. They installed that mindset in me. I already had that mindset, but I continue to work my butt off.

That’s how I was preparing for this coming season. It was the same way. I was treating it like I was a true freshmen that just got here.

JM: What’s the culture like in that locker room?

JT: We’re the best. That’s how we feel. We walk around with our heads held high. Our attitude remains the same win or lose. We’re the best. We think we’re going to win every game. That starts with players like Jimmy Morrissey and Damar Hamlin.

JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one of those teammates with you, who would you bring and why?

JT: I’m bringing two with me (laughs). I gotta bring two with me, I can’t just bring one. I’ll give you two names. Cam Bright and Paris Ford. Ford is a loose screw, but he has a smart mind (laughs). Bright is so strong and fast.

JM: How close is that Pittsburgh program to becoming a legit top 5-10 program in the nation?

JT: We’ll see how this season goes. They had a great start so far. They have some big games coming up. I’m confident. A couple of guys opted out, but they’re not missing a beat. That’s the type of atmosphere we installed there. We believe in each other. It doesn’t matter who’s down or up.

Last season, we lost Keyshon Camp and Rashad Weaver. We didn’t miss a beat. A couple of guys stepped up. We got better every day. That tells you a lot about how great the coaching staff is over there. It starts with them.

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

JM: Are there any pass rushers that you particularly enjoy watching tape on?

JT: You know I have to go with Aaron Donald. I love to watch him. I like to watch Joey and Nick Bosa, as well. They have so many moves in their toolbox. I love to use some of their moves. I watch them a lot. I’ve started watching some Kenny Clark recently. I like all D-linemen. Donald, Clark, Grady Jarrett and the Bosa brothers are the ones I spend the most time watching, though.

JM: Who would you say is the best player you’ve ever played against?

JT: Sam Howell. He’s the quarterback for North Carolina. He’s definitely the best player I’ve ever played against. He’s such a great player.

JM: The next big event in your football career will be the NFL Scouting Combine. Are there any drills that you’re looking forward to the most?

JT: I’m training for everything right now. I’m not just worried about the bench press or the 40-yard dash for example. I’m getting ready for all of the drills. I’m doing a lot of strength training as of right now. I’m getting stronger and working on my hamstrings. I’m getting more explosive.

I’ll start moving to the on-field work shortly. I’ll be getting with Chuck Smith and working on that. I’ll be going through the on-field combine drills shortly. I’m just focusing on my strength and explosiveness right now.

JM: What’s up next for you?

JT: We shall see. I’m just getting ready for the combine. That’s up next for me as of now, the combine. That’s my main focus right now. I’m spending time with my family. It’s all about family and the combine.

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ESPN and 247Sports make predictions ahead of ‘20 season

Experts from two major outlets predict how the 2020 ACC and college football season will play out.

Saturday can’t get here soon enough, but until then we have to count down the hours until the Irish kickoff against Duke at 2:30pm EST. While we wait, let’s take a look at how some of the biggest football analysts see the season playing out.

Over at ESPN, Mark Schlabach gave out his predictions to how the conference would shake out, the Irish finishing second behind Clemson, and conference awards, where the Irish went home empty handed. Notre Dame was featured in each of Schlabach’s game’s of the year: ACC conference game, non-conference game and upset of the year. The game of the year is obvious, when the Irish host Clemson on November 7, which Schlabach has Notre Dame winning. If correct, the Irish could potentially stop the Tigers from tying the longest winning streak in-conference play at 29 games set by FSU in the early 90’s.

When looking at the upset of the year, you won’t think the Irish would worry much about Pat Narduzzi’s Pittsburgh Panthers. A so-so offense, but solid defense, shouldn’t pose many problems from Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees but Schlabach thinks Pitt will. Having home-field advantage won’t be much on an advantage for any team this year, as crowds aren’t expected to be capacity by any means. An upset would be very disappointing especially against the Panthers, as Notre Dame on paper is a much better team.

As for the non-conference game of the year, the tilt against South Florida won’t be an easy win, but should be a win regardless. It’s a bit concerning that Notre Dame didn’t sniff any of the individual awards, but if it’s wins over individual awards, the Irish will surely take it.

Over at 247Sports, it was more of a collective on how the season would play out. Six of their seven experts have the Irish making the ACC championship game, the other team with a berth was North Carolina. The end goal is winning an ACC championship, at least this year it is, getting to the College Football Playoff is a byproduct of winning the conference.

Staying with 247Sports, only one of their seven experts had Notre Dame in the final four of the CFP, Bud Elliott had them finishing 3rd overall. That’s the good news, back to ESPN, Schlabach has the Irish losing twice, once to the aforementioned Pitt and again to North Carolina. This loss would hurt the most, as Schlabach predicts it will knock the Irish out of a CFP spot. What hurts even more is the Irish will have a shot to beat Clemson twice, but fail to achieve the sweep and finish second in the ACC.

These are just predictions, a guess as to what the season will hold of the Irish as they venture into the ACC for the season. I think we all hope Elliott is correct, making the CFP would be exactly what Brian Kelly is looking for this season.

Steelers RB James Conner warns not to sleep on Mitchell Trubisky

It seems like everyone has voiced their support for either Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles in the Bears’ quarterback battle.

Over the last few weeks, current and former NFL players have voiced their support for either Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky when it comes to the Chicago Bears’ quarterback battle. On Wednesday, another vote was cast for Trubisky, this time from an unlikely ally.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner, appearing on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, told everyone not to count out the Bears’ fourth-year quarterback.

“Make sure you’re not sleeping on my boy, Mitch though,” Conner said. “I think Mitch is going to come out hot this year. That’s my dog, I played Mitch [during] my senior year of high school. We’ve been going at it, you know Pitt vs. North Carolina, Steelers and Bears, even though I wasn’t playing that year…I know his work ethic, I know what he’s about to do so he’s going to come out fired up.”

Conner’s support for Trubisky stems from their high school days, but their meeting in 2016 must have left quite an impression, as well. Trubisky’s Tar Heels narrowly beat Conner’s Panthers 37-36 with Trubisky completing 35 of 46 passes for 453 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. Both players were drafted in 2017, with Trubisky being picked with the second-overall pick by the Bears and Conner going late in the third round to the Steelers.

While they both suited up as rookies, neither one played a snap during the Bears-Steelers matchup in 2017 that saw the Bears win 23-17 in overtime. Still, Conner has a tremendous amount of respect for his former college adversary. Like others, he believes the best is yet to come for the 25-year old signal caller.

Nobody knows for sure how the quarterback competition between Trubisky and Foles will unfold later this summer, but it’s clear that despite Foles’ arrival, there are many around the league who refuse to sleep on Trubisky.

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It’s a Trap! Which Game Could be a Trap Game for Notre Dame?

There could be a potential trap game in the Irish’s 2020 schedule. Which game could trip up them up?

As Admiral Akbar famously said in Star Wars Return of the Jedi, “It’s a trap!”and every year many college football teams find themselves in a trap games. Typically, the higher ranked team plays down to their opponent and the game is much closer than it should be, occasionally resulting in a surprising loss.

Looking ahead at the Irish schedule for 2020, there are plenty of marquee games on the slate, visiting Wisconsin in Lambeau, hosting Clemson, the regular season finale against USC in Memorial Stadium, those games will see Brian Kelly’s team hyped up for. What about the games that could potentially trip up the Irish?

I look at game that involves the Irish traveling, the game prior to a big game being played, and a team that returns some production from last year. The game that sticks out like a sore thumb to me is the September 26th contest in Charlotte against Wake Forest. A team that went 8-5 last year, lost just one game at home, returns their QB in Jaime Newman, leading receiver Sage Surratt and second leading rusher Kenneth Walker III. The Irish have two games after this game, traveling to Wisconsin and at home to Stanford, which are viewed as much bigger contests.

Bud Elliott of 247Sports sees it a bit differently that I do, marking the October game at Pittsburgh as Notre Dame’s trap game. He says “If Notre Dame gets through the Wisconsin and Stanford games, it could be primed for a letdown. And a physical Pitt team on the road could prove a bigger challenge on the field than on paper.” I get Elliott’s rationale picking this game, but with a bye right after, I view this as a game where the Irish can lick their wounds a bit after the two games ahead of it and get healthy following the week off.

There are other potential trap games in the Irish’s 2020 slate, Duke ahead of Clemson, Louisville before USC that could trip up Notre Dame. Which game do you see that could slow down the momentum for the Irish this season?

Badger moments: Ethan Happ wins rock fight over Pittsburgh in 2016

Ethan Happ saves the day

In the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, the Wisconsin Badgers did not have Bo Ryan on their bench. Everyone wondered if Greg Gard could continue to deliver the March results Ryan brought to Madison for more than a decade. Wisconsin had reached the Sweet 16 or better in four of the previous five NCAA Tournaments, and the Badgers had just made consecutive Final Fours in 2014 and 2015. As the 2016 Big Dance began, all eyes were on a new coach with a team which had scrambled and recovered well enough to get an NCAA tourney ticket, but whose prospects of going deep into the tournament were not great.

Wisconsin was a No. 7 seed which faced a tough challenge from a proven program — the Pittsburgh Panthers — and a proven head coach, Jamie Dixon. Pittsburgh didn’t make the Final Four under Dixon, but it gained No. 1 seeds in multiple seasons, reached the Elite Eight, and had established itself as a regular NCAA Tournament team, much as Wisconsin had in the 21st century. These programs could both identify with each other, having gone through many decades of mediocrity before roaring to life at the start of the century. This figured to be a tough game… and it was.

Oh, how it was.

Bronson Koenig didn’t hit a 3-pointer against Pittsburgh, marking the first time in 44 games he didn’t make at least one triple. Nigel Hayes was just 3 of 17 from the field. Wisconsin made only 4 of 19 3-pointers and missed 13 of its first 15 shots in this game. The Badgers needed over 15 minutes to score their first 10 points of the game. UW managed just 16 points in the first half.

In spite of all that… Wisconsin won.

Yes, it won.

Wisconsin limited Pitt to only three made 3-pointers and four made free throws. The Badgers were plus-5 in offensive rebounds (12-7) and plus-4 in turnover differential (6 committed, 10 forced). In a rock fight, every possession mattered… and Ethan Happ was the main influencer of these possessions.

Happ led Wisconsin in points (15), rebounds (9), and assists (3), doing everything for the Badgers. When Pittsburgh trailed 44-43 in the final minute and missed a go-ahead layup, Happ was there to get the defensive rebound and enable Wisconsin to hit three foul shots in the closing seconds to win.

Everything went wrong for Wisconsin on offense, but the Badgers’ defense and rebounding answered the call. If there were any questions about UW’s toughness in the NCAA Tournament under Greg Gard, they were answered in this game, four years ago in St. Louis.

The Ohio State baseball team gets its first win of the season over Pittsburgh

The Ohio State baseball team used dominating pitching to pick up its first win of the season 4-1 over Pittsburgh.

After dropping its season opener, the Ohio State baseball team rebounded for its first victory of the year, 4-1 over Pittsburgh thanks to a dominating performance from starting pitcher Seth Lonsway.

The right-hander made it difficult for the Panthers’ bats to get any kind of offense going. He had a shaky first inning — giving up one run — but he settled down from there. All told, he threw six innings of one-hit ball — striking out twelve hitters along the way to earn the win. Bayden Root came on in relief and pitched another strong three innings. He struck out six and allowed just one hit to nail things down.

There wasn’t a ton of offense for the Buckeyes, but enough to get the job done. After Pittsburgh plated a run on a couple of walks and a two-out RBI single in the top of the first, Ohio State answered. It got a big ground out RBI from Brent Todys after Nate Karaffa and Dillon Dingler both had hits.

The Buckeyes then took the lead for good in the 4th on back-to-back doubles by Connor Pohl and Zach Dezenzo to make it 2-1. Ohio State loaded the bases then but couldn’t plate any more runs in the inning.

It did get two insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th inning though and that would be more than enough.

With the win, Ohio State improves to 1-1 on the young season and will take on Indiana State at 11:30 AM Sunday.

 

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WATCH: Duke’s Coach K apologizes after yelling at Cameron Crazies to ‘shut up’

Coach K went off on Duke students over a chant about Jeff Capel.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is apologetic following the No. 9 Blue Devils’ 79-67 win versus Pittsburgh. The Hall of Fame coach interrupted the Cameron Crazies’ “sit with us,” chant during the first half of Tuesday night’s game.

Krzyzewski crossed the court from Duke’s (17-3, 7-2 ACC) bench and yelling at the young fans to “Shut up.” The crazies were cheering at Pitt head coach Jeff Capel, who played at Duke and was an assistant on Krzyzewski’s staff for seven seasons before leaving Durham for the Panthers’ head job in 2018. It’s routine for the Duke student section to invite former players (or even committed high school players) to their side of the court to “sit with us.” But, it turns out Coach K couldn’t quite hear anything other than Capel’s name.

“I don’t know if I made a mistake on that, but I’ve never heard another coach’s name yelled out in the middle of the first half when we’re in a war with the team,” Krzyzewski said postgame. “I don’t know if they were saying, ‘Come sit with me.’ We got a different look at what the hell was going on. I thought it was something personal…. I apologize to the students for that.”

Krzyzewski emphasized that more than anything, he wanted the students to understand Capel is one of Duke’s own and added that once he heard the name in the middle of the game, he didn’t exactly waltz over and ask what exactly was being said.

The Duke coach offered up a solution that included cheering for the Blue Devils, saying “Leave the other guy alone.”

The Crazies without taunting? Feels like that goes a bit against their reputation.

Duke’s Coach K apologizes after yelling at Cameron Crazies to ‘shut up,’ for chanting at Pitt coach

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is apologetic following the No. 9 Blue Devils’ 79-67 win versus Pittsburgh. The Hall of Fame coach interrupted the Cameron Crazies’ “Sit with us,” chant during the first half of Tuesday night’s game.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is apologetic following the No. 9 Blue Devils’ 79-67 win versus Pittsburgh. The Hall of Fame coach interrupted the Cameron Crazies’ “Sit with us,” chant during the first half of Tuesday night’s game.

Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Eastern Michigan odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Quick Lane Bowl between the Pittsburgh Panthers and Eastern Michigan Eagles, with betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

The Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) and Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-6) tangle in the Quick Lane Bowl Thursday. Kickoff at Ford Field in Detroit is set for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Pittsburgh-Eastern Michigan odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Pittsburgh vs. Eastern Michigan: Three things you need to know

1. Pittsburgh’s bowl history goes all the way back to the 1927 Rose Bowl, a game it lost 7-6 to Stanford. The Panthers also fell to Stanford 31-24 in the Sun Bowl last season. They’ll be more than happy to face anyone else. This will be Pitt’s first-ever bowl game vs. a Mid-American Conference foe.

2. Eastern Michigan makes the short jaunt from Ypsilanti to downtown Detroit for its fourth bowl game in school history. The Eagles are 1-2 all-time, falling last season to Georgia Southern in the Camellia Bowl in Birmingham. Their only bowl win was back in 1987 in the California Bowl vs. San Jose State, 30-27.

3. Pitt is 5-1 against the spread in the past six non-conference games, and 4-1 ATS in the past five vs. MAC opponents. EMU is 17-5 ATS in the past 22 non-conference games, and 17-8 ATS in the past 25 vs. winning teams.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

Pittsburgh vs. Eastern Michigan: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 26, Eastern Michigan 17

Moneyline (ML)

Pitt (-435) had a so-so offense this season, but the defense was super stout. As such, the Panthers are expected to roll to a victory against the boys from Eastern Michigan (+325). Even so, the Panthers are just too expensive, when having to risk more than four times your return, especially since this game is right down Interstate 94 from Ypsi.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Pitt to win outright would return a profit of just $2.30.

Against the Spread (ATS)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (+11.5, -110) likely isn’t going to win this game, but it is the Eagles’ national championship game. It’s primetime. It’s in their home state. And they have the passing attack to hang with most marginal Power 5 teams, for which Pittsburgh (-11.5, -110) certainly qualifies.

The Eagles were 29th in passing yards per game at 279.7, while posting 29.1 points per game to rank 64th in the land. EMU also has DB Brody Hoying, cousin of former Ohio State standouts Bobby Hoying and Ross Homan, patrolling the secondary. He led the team with four interceptions.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 49.5 (-115) is going to be a strong play for me in this one, also included perhaps as a part of a three-team teaser. The Under is 28-10-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 39 games overall, and 7-1 in the past eight as a favorite. The defense will dictate the pace of the game.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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North Carolina-Pittsburgh odds: Panthers favored in Thursday nighter

Previewing Thursday’s North Carolina Tar Heels at Pittsburgh Panthers college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The North Carolina Tar Heels (4-5, 3-3 ACC Coastal) visit Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-3, 3-2) Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

We analyze the North Carolina-Pittsburgh odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

North Carolina at Pittsburgh: Three things you need to know

1. Pittsburgh has been good to Against the Spread (ATS) bettors this season, going 6-3. The Panthers are now eight games over .500 ATS since 2017. Saturday’s contest marks just the second Pitt has had at home since Sept. 28. Two games back, the Panthers lost at home to Miami 16-12. In that one, Pitt outgained UM by more than 100 yards, but the Panthers were a -2 in turnovers. The Hurricanes prevailed on a pair of short-field scores.

2. For the season, the Panthers are a -5 in TO margin. Turnover analytics peg Pitt as being among the unluckiest teams in FBS. North Carolina has done well to only have nine giveaways on the year — especially with freshman Sam Howell at quarterback.

3. The Tar Heels have acquitted themselves well on the road, but they perhaps have some close-game fatigue and one can see a night game getting into Pitt control and having the Panthers prevail on some extra energy. UNC has played eight one-score games this season (3-5 SU); that includes a six-overtime game Oct. 19.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

North Carolina at Pittsburgh: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 31, North Carolina 20

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID the Pittsburgh -200 line.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Pitt returns a profit of $5 – every $1 wagered profits $0.50 (1 divided by 2.00) with a Panthers straight-up win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

PITTSBURGH -3.5 (-115) is a solid play in this ACC game. The Panthers and Tar Heels are even talent-wise. The most elite unit on the field, however, will be a Pitt defense allowing just 4.2 YPP (5th — FBS). The worst unit, yes, will be the Panther offense. But it’s a Panther offense playing a night game at home and one some indicators point to as undercooked in delivering big plays and more efficiency.

Plus, UNC has some injury questions in key areas — offensive line and defensive backfield — play into the confidence on this side.

Over/Under (O/U)

This sets up as a game for the Panthers to get out of their 20-point shadow on offense. Pitt does indeed rank 111th in the nation in scoring (20.9 PPG), but new OC Mark Whipple has seen his offense go up against five FBS top-40 defensive teams. UNC has coughed up 9.6 yards per pass attempt in three of the last four games. The Panther defense ranks ninth in the nation in yards allowed (280 YPG); Pitt yields just 86 YPG on the ground (5th — FBS).

Even in calling for some regression in much of Pitts’ offensive efforts, I’m going to STAY AWAY from what looks like a fair O/U figure. A lean on 50.5 (-110) is mitigated by the solid possibility of a Pitt-in-control boat race.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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