College Football Pick: Pitt Panthers vs. Kent State Golden Flashes
Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, August 31st
- Time: 12 PM EST
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TV: TBD
Betting Lines: BetOnline Sportsbook
- Spread: Pitt -23
- Total: 54.5
Panthers Seeking Redemption:
The Pitt Panthers are ready to bounce back from a dismal 2023 season, where they finished with a disappointing 3-9 record. This marked a stark contrast to their previous two seasons, which saw them go 11-3 and 9-4. Head coach Pat Narduzzi, now in his tenth year, is determined to turn things around. Last year’s lone bright spot was an upset victory over #14 Louisville, but the Panthers were otherwise outclassed by ranked opponents and struggled against the spread.
Golden Flashes’ Continuing Struggles:
Kent State is also coming off a rough season, finishing with a 1-11 record. Unfortunately, for the Golden Flashes, this is not an anomaly. They have only had one winning season in the last decade, and their sole victory in 2023 came against Central Connecticut. They were consistently outmatched by their opponents, including those within the MAC conference. Like Pitt, they also had a poor record against the spread.
Key Matchup: Experience vs. Improvement:
Both teams return nine offensive starters but only four on defense. Pitt’s experience edge may be offset by Kent State’s potential for improvement under head coach Kenni Burns, who is in his second year and likely to have implemented new strategies and adjustments.
The Model’s Prediction:
Our model, based on last season’s data, predicts a dominant 39-7 victory for Pitt. This suggests that the Panthers will not only win the game but also cover the 23-point spread. Additionally, the model predicts a low-scoring affair, falling under the posted total of 54.5.
Our Picks:
Given Pitt’s talent advantage, their motivation to rebound from last year’s disappointment, and Kent State’s historical struggles, we agree with the model’s prediction.
- Pitt -23
- Under 54.5
This game is a prime opportunity for Pitt to make a statement and start their season on a positive note. While Kent State may show some signs of improvement, it’s unlikely to be enough to challenge the Panthers on their home turf.