West Virginia vs. Pitt Odds
Saturday, Sep 167:30pm ETABC
| West Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| -2.5-118 | 47.5-110o / -110u | -152 |
| Pittsburgh Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| +2.5-104 | 47.5-110o / -110u | +126 |
Odds via'FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute'NCAAF odds here.
Why You Should Bet Pitt
I remain a non-believer in West Virginia.
Instead, I believe Neal Brown saved his job with two late-season upset wins last year (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State).
I believe this team was deservedly picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason media poll.
I believe this team isn't going anywhere because it doesn't have a quarterback who cares to complete a forward pass.
Sure, West Virginia will rely on a solid rushing game, and the quarterback committee of Garrett Greene and Nicco Marchiol adds good rushing value.
But a solid running game can only get you so far. Eventually, you need to throw the ball.
Speaking of throwing the ball, Phil Jurkovec had the worst game of his career last week. But guess what, there's nowhere to go but up after a 10-for-32 performance.
Let's remember who Jurkovec is, a former four-star recruit who showed NFL upside at Boston College. He's not as bad as last week's performance, and there's nowhere to go but up.
Let's also remember what this Pitt team is.
Remember that Jurkovec has a strong offensive line and solid weapons to work with (three of the top four pass catchers from last year's team return).
Remember that Jurkovec is back with offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. Jurkovec had his best years with Cignetti at BC.
Remember that Pat Narduzzi is a good recruiter and that he and defensive coordinator Randy Bates have replaced NFL talent in the past.
Remember that defensive line coach Ch arlie Partridge is among the nation's best.
Look for David Green to make a jump on the line after recording 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in seven games last year.
Watch out for cornerbacks M.J. Devonshire and Marquis Williams, a duo that projects as one of the best in the ACC.
More importantly, those corners allow Narduzzi to bring the heat on passing downs and stack the box in standard downs. The latter should prove crucial in stopping WVU's rushing attack, and I don't expect Greene or Marchiol to beat them in man coverage, anyway.
And look, Pitt got a tad unlucky in last week's loss. The Panthers generated seven scoring opportunities to the Bearcats' six, mainly losing because they coughed up two turnovers while only snagging one.