The ACC’s Pittsburgh Panthers are set to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, this Saturday to face the Cincinnati Bearcats from the Big 12.
Both teams opened the year with victories: Pittsburgh dominated Kent State 55-24, and Cincinnati defeated Towson 38-20.
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati Betting Preview
After enduring disappointing 3-9 campaigns in 2023, both squads are eager to bounce back and compete for bowl eligibility in their respective conferences.
All Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 7.
- Spread
Cincinnati -2 - Moneyline
Pittsburgh +110, Cincinnati -130 - Over/Under
62.5 - Game time
Noon ET - Location
Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio - Predicted Weather at Kick
64 degrees, mostly clear - How to Watch
ESPN2
This line has hovered around 2 points since it opened. Cincinnati briefly became a field-goal favorite on Sept. 1, but the number has returned to -2.5 or -2 since. The total has been significantly bet up since opening at 52.5, climbing across key numbers and sitting an entire two possessions higher right now at 62.5.
Cincinnati’s home-field advantage hasn’t been particularly strong, as it went 1-3 against the spread as home favorites in 2023.
Prediction for Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
For starters, there is a revenge factor to consider in this one, as Cincinnati edged out Pittsburgh 27-21 on the Panthers’ home turf last season. This time, Pittsburgh enters the matchup with momentum after a dominant 55-point performance against Kent State — its highest-scoring game since 2020.
Under head coach Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers’ offense looked revitalized with new offensive coordinator Cade Bell’s up-tempo approach, along with impressing on the ground.
If Pittsburgh can maintain this balanced attack, it could keep Cincinnati’s defense off balance and take control of the game. On the defensive side, the Panthers must prioritize stopping the Bearcats’ run game.
Offensively, Cincinnati will aim to establish its run game again, having utilized eight different ball carriers in the team’s Week 1 win. To stay competitive with a high-scoring Pittsburgh team, the Bearcats must protect the ball better and make the most of their scoring opportunities.
With both teams looking to improve in 2024, looking solid in their respective Week 1 victories, this is a tough game to cap. It’s two contrasting styles, and whoever can force their will is going to come away without a blemish on their record.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
I lean toward Pitt in this one. Bell and Holstein seem to already have an excellent connection, and the Panthers’ offense looks dangerous.
Add that to the revenge factor and the fact that they are likely going to force Cincinnati to put the ball in the air a bit more than they’re comfortable with, and I like Pitt to scratch this one out on the road.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, Cincinnati 27
College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis, rankings, transfer portal information, top players, the 2024 college football season schedule, and much more!