Last Updated on September 2, 2010 8:30 pm by drew
Pitt-Utah Pick
Pittsburgh is ranked No. 15 in the nation, but the Panthers find themselves as 3-point underdogs heading to Utah Thursday night at 8:30PM ET.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL have made Utah a 3-point favorite over Pittsburgh while the over/under has been set at 49.5.
Utah was 10-3 last year but just 6-7 against the spread, including 3-3 in home games. Utah also hit the under in eight games last year. The Utes do have some trends in their favor though, as they are 3-0 ATS in the last three years when the line is +3 to -3, but the Utes are also just 1-2 ATS on Thursday night games. The Utes are healthy and ready to go, but breaking in some new players in key spots, especially on defense, where they have to replace seven starters.
Pittsburgh went 10-3 last year as well and was 7-4 against the spread while hitting the under eight times. The Panthers are just 5-5 ATS in non-conference games over the last three years, but are 7-4 ATS in road games the last three seasons.
Where Pitt may have the edge in this game is against Utah’s rushing defense. The Utes allowed 138 yards per-game on the ground and the Panthers have one of the best backs in the country in Dion Lewis. We look for Lewis to have a big game and help carry the Panthers to a victory on the road.
OUR COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PICK: PITTSBURGH +3 and UNDER 49.5
Week 1 Pittsburgh at Utah Odds
Pittsburgh Panthers +3 Over 49.5
Utah Utes -3 Under 49.5