Is Pitt legit?
We should find out on Saturday with a game at Heinz Field featuring two teams ranked in the top 25.
Pitt is No. 21. Louisville is No. 24.
And right now, FanDuel and Fox Bet and seem to have the most favorable spreads if you’re a Panthers fan, installing Pitt as a 2.5-point favorite. Most other PA sports betting apps have the Panthers giving three.
With a win, the Panthers will go 3-0 for the first time since 2014. The team will climb higher up the rankings. And a team that’s often overshadowed by the region’s bigger programs (Penn State, Ohio State) will move toward legitimacy this season.
It’s a big game for the program — and you can add even more intrigue with a few well-placed college football bets.
Shop around for the best PA sportsbook odds
Pitt hosts Louisville at 12 p.m. Saturday in a rare ranked matchup in this disrupted 2020 season. The game will be broadcast live on the ACC Network. Pitt is near a field goal favorite at all of the Pennsylvania sportsbooks, with a little price shopping helping you gain a half-point at certain books.
The game’s over/under is set consistently around 55 points. But the betting options go far beyond that. Most sportsbooks have prices for individual team totals, wagers on individual quarters and halftime/full-time results. Many books have alternate spreads and totals available as well.
Here’s a quick sampling of some of the wagers as of Sept. 24 at noon (odds available via FanDuel):
Moneyline:
Louisville (+118) – Pitt (-144)
First-Half Spread:
Louisville (+0.5): -115
Pitt (-0.5): -105
First-Half Total:
Over 27.5: -105
Under 27.5: -115
Saturday’s game features two talented quarterbacks
If you’re interested in comparing schedules, Louisville (1-1) has had a tougher road, with games against Western Kentucky (a 35-21 win) and No. 12 Miami (a 47-34 loss). Pitt (2-0) beat up on undermatched Austin Peay 55-0 and slipped past Syracuse 21-10.
The Panthers are led by senior quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has completed nearly 70% of his passes this season. And the Cardinals will counter with junior quarterback Malik Cunningham, who has already passed for six touchdowns this season.
College football’s schedule provides plenty of parlay options
The SEC opens its season on Saturday, giving you plenty of options if you’re interested in building a parlay bet with the Pitt game. Here are some of the noteworthy games from the SEC and beyond:
- No. 5 Florida (-13.5) vs. Ole Miss
- No. 23 Kentucky (+7.5) vs. Auburn
- Mississippi State (+16.5) vs. No. 6 LSU
- No. 8 Texas (-18.5) vs. Texas Tech
- West Virginia (+6.5) vs. No. 15 Oklahoma State
- Florida State (+11.5) vs. No. 12 Miami
- No. 16 Tennessee (-3.5) vs. South Carolina
(See complete, live odds below.)
There are certainly some big games down south on Saturday. But in the Northeast, where Big 10 play is still about a month away, all eyes are on Pittsburgh.
The Panthers are undefeated. A ranked opponent is in town. And a golden opportunity awaits.
Is Pitt legit?
Saturday’s game should provide the answer.
College football odds at PA sportsbooks Oct. 2 and 3
Here’s a look at updated college football odds from a sampling of the best online sportsbooks in PA.
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
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