Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh Prediction College Football Picks 9/21/24

In this article, we will formulate a Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 21st at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week four matchup. 

Youngstown State Penguins Betting Preview

The Youngstown State Penguins are 1-2 this year after they lost to Duquesne by a score of 28-25 in their last game. Youngstown State led 17-7 in the second quarter, but they allowed the next 21 points in the game for the loss. The Penguins outgained Duquesne by a total of 371-346, turned the ball over once, and went 10-15 on third down in the game. Beau Brungard threw for 193 yards and one touchdown, while Tyshon King rushed for 67 yards and two scores. 

Youngstown State lost to Villanova by a score of 24-17 in their first game, but they bounced back with a 59-25 win in week two against Valpo. The Penguins have allowed at least 24 points in all three games and will face a pretty high-scoring Pittsburgh team here. 

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Panthers are 3-0 this season after they defeated West Virginia by a score of 38-34 in their last game. Pittsburgh trailed 34-24 in the fourth quarter, but they scored 14 points in the last 3:06 for the win. The Panthers were outgained by a total of 398-379, forced two turnovers, and went 1-8 on third down in the game. Eli Holstein threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 59 yards in the win. 

Pittsburgh defeated Kent State by a score of 55-24 in their first game and Cincinnati by a score of 28-27 in their second game. The Pittsburgh offense has scored 40.3 points per game with 323 passing yards and 158.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 28.3 points per game this season. The Panthers have gone 40% on third down and 2-5 on fourth down so far this season. Eli Holstein has completed 67.6% of his passes for 936 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Desmond Reid has rushed for 319 yards and one score. 

Why Pittsburgh will win cover

• Pittsburgh has won each of its last 12 home games against non-FBS teams.
• Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last five home games.

Total Points Facts

• Ten of Pittsburgh’s last 11 home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Pittsburgh ranks 9th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (79).
• Pittsburgh ranks 14th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (324.0).

Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh Prediction 

Pittsburgh comes into this game after picking up a huge win in their rivalry game last weekend, but they will have to avoid a letdown here. The Panthers have had to overcome pretty large second-half deficits in their last two weeks, so starting fast will be a priority. Youngstown State has had issues on the defensive side of the ball through three games, so I like the Pitt offense to have a huge day. I expect Holstein to continue his hot start to the season and I like Pittsburgh to cover this huge number at home. 

David Racey's Pick: Pittsburgh -25.5