Pittsburgh (0-0) vs Kent State (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Acrisure Stadium)
Betting Odds: Pittsburgh -24.5 / Kent State +24.5 --- Over/Under: 52.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Kent State Golden Flashes and Pittsburgh Panthers meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Acrisure Stadium. Here’s a Pittsburgh vs Kent State Prediction. This article will include a Pittsburgh vs Kent State Pick.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview
The Kent State Golden Flashes won just 1 game last season and enter the second year under coach Kenni Burns. Kent State has the worst odds to win the MAC this season, by a wide margin. Either Tommy Ulatowski or JD Sherrod will take over at quarterback, and both have seen limited playing time over the years. Gavin Garcia returns after leading Kent State with 544 yards and two touchdowns, while its top-2 receivers are back in Chrishon McCray and Luke Floriea.
Defensively, Nicholas Giacolone returns after 54 tackles, Oliver Billotte had 1 sack and Stephen Daley had 1 interception. Kent State is still a young team that scored just 19 touchdowns last season while allowing 55. There’s a reason why nobody is expecting much from Kent State, and why it was predicted to finish last in the MAC by the media this season.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers won just 3 games last year and enter the 10th season under coach Pat Narduzzi. Pitt hasn’t missed a bowl game in back to back years since 06-07. The Pitt offense gets a massive boost with Western Carolina transfer running back Desmond Reid Jr. and Alabama transfer quarterback Eli Holstein. Reid has more than 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on his resume, while Holstein was a 4-star recruit at Alabama. Pittsburgh has major questions along its offensive line, but the skill position players are above average and leads me to believe there should be offensive success.
Defensively, Donovan McMillon returns after leading Pittsburgh with 105 tackles and Phillip O'Brien Jr. is back after 41 tackles and 3 interceptions. Pitt snagged Kansas State transfer Nate Matlack and Kentucky transfer Jaremiah Anglin Jr. to boost the defense. Narduzzi has done enough over the last decade to earn the benefit of the doubt. Pittsburgh can remain that sneaky team in the ACC that springs an upset or two while pushing for a bowl appearance.
Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win
- Kent State has lost each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has won each of its last nine season openers as a favorite.
- Kent State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games.
- Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last three games at Acrisure Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Pittsburgh's last nine games against non-conference opponents at Acrisure Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Kent State's last five games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Kent State suffered the equal-most losses by a margin of 25+ points of any FBS team last season (5).
- Kent State suffered the equal-most losses by a margin of 40+ points of any FBS team last season (2).
Pittsburgh vs Kent State Prediction
The Pittsburgh Panthers have the talent and the coaching staff to take advantage of a game like this. The Kent State Golden Flashes were one of the worst FBS teams in the country last year, and it takes some showing and proving to think things will improve overnight. Kent State is expected to once again be one of the worst teams in college football. Kent State is also 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games as an underdog. If Pitt is trying to return to a bowl game after a disappointing season, this is a game it should win and should win rather easily. I'll lay the chalk with Pitt at home.
Randy’s Pick Pittsburgh -24.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
