Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Syracuse Orangemen Bulldogs Odds & Game Pick (2021)

While the Pitt Panthers come into this one with their spot in the ACC Championship game already secured, the Orangemen are playing for much more; bowl eligibility. In what equates to a chance to play once more for their seniors, I expect to see an effort that reflects just that.

Let's take a closer look.

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Details

• Opening Line: Orangemen +11, O/U 58.5
• Current Line: Orangemen +13, O/U 57.5

Overview 

Coming into this week with a top 10 offense in the country, the Panthers have torn up not just the ACC this season but the entire country. Led by future first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett at QB, the Panthers come into Saturday #2 in total offensive yards (530.9), #5 in passing yards (370.1), and #3 in points scored 43.9.

If not for an early-season loss at home to Western Michigan, the Panthers could very well be in the CFP conversation with their only other loss coming in a shootout vs. Miami.

For the home Orangemen, a chance at bowl eligibility is on the line this weekend as they currently sit at five wins on the season. If recent form is any indicator, however, it’s not a prospect they should particularly be excited about.

Come into this one loser of four of their last six, the Orangemen have lost two straight by a combined 62 points, giving up 41 points in both contests.

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Trends 

• Panthers are 6-0 ATS in L6 as away favorite
• Panthers 5-0 ATS in L5 on the road

Bottom Line

While it’s up in the air how much time Pickett will see this Saturday with their postseason (and his future) all but sealed; I still can’t come around to the idea of taking this Syracuse team. Coming into this one ranked #124 in the country in passing yards (146.5 per game), the Orangemen are as one-dimensional as it comes and feeds into exactly what Pitt does best.

Currently #7 in the nation in rushing yards allowed, the Panthers are averaging just 98.8 from their opponents and I expect a similarly strong showing in this one to wrap up a great regular-season showing.

Pick: Panthers -13

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