Penn St at Pittsburgh – Preview and Prediction
PITTSBURGH 5 PENN ST (47)
Implied Projected Score: Pittsburgh 26 Penn St 21
MEGALOCKS LINE – Pittsburgh 6
The Game
The Panthers come into this game off a 28-7 win over Villanova. It was a pretty routine game but they could not even crack the 100-yard rushing barrier as a team. The Nittany Lions pulled away from a scrappy Kent St team in the second half of their first contest. This is not conference game but it will definitely feel like one on Saturday.
The Match-Up
Penn St. offense vs Pittsburgh defense
The Nittany Lions were pretty balanced last week. Trace McSorley had over 200 yards passing and star RB Saquon Barkley had over 100 yards on the ground. The Pitt defense is pretty stingy but the fact that they have to respect the ability of Barkley running the ball should provide some opportunites to get the ball to their fine receiving group.
Our major worry is how the offensive line stacks up against the front 7 of the Panthers. It is really hard to get a read on how that match-up might do. Have to give the edge on paper to the Panthers due to their level of talent and experience. Penn St has given up over 80 sacks combined the past two seasons.
Pittsburgh offense vs Penn St. defense
We are a bit confused about how the Pitt running game performed last week. They could not get anything going against Villanova with two very good RBs (James Conner, Qadree Ollison), and while the Penn St DL is a question mark coming into the season, we now have a question mark on top of a question mark. That makes handicapping this game difficult.
QB Nathan Peterman did a fine job last season but not sure he has too many explosive weapons in the passing game. Last week’s leading receiver was TE Scott Orndoff and no WR had more than 50 yards receiving. It may have all been part of a toned-down game plan but we cannot be sure.
Tasty Tidbits
Tempers will likely be on the medium-high to high level this weekend….Do not think there is much love between these two schools…..Penn St is just 2-13-2 ATS in their last 17 road games while Pitt is just 1-7 L8 ATS at home….Confused ? Yup. Us too.
Summary
Do not know enough about the personalities of these two teams yet. Our fair number seems to be very close to what is available out there right now so do not see enough value to pounce.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: Lean to the under at any number 47 or better.