Week 8 of the college football season continues on Saturday afternoon with an ACC battle between the Pitt Panthers and Miami Hurricanes.
Following a slew of upsets in Week 7, Miami (6-0) is the No. 1 team in the nation, while Pittsburgh (5-2) is hoping to halt a two-game losing streak.
The Hurricanes are 4-0 in the conference and 3-0 at home, so they have to be feeling good about their chances.
It is a much different story for the Panthers, who are playing their second consecutive road game on the heels of last weekend's setback at Boston College.
Pitt vs. Hurricanes betting picks and predictions
Hurricanes -20.5 (-105)
Pitt stormed out of the 2026 gates like gangbusters, rolling to a 5-0 record with conference victories over Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
However, quarterback Mason Heintschel suffered a torn ACL against the Hokies and things have gone downhill ever since for head coach Pat Narduzzi's program.
The Panthers fell to North Carolina 21-17 at home and then visited Boston College and lost 27-21.
This does not figure to be an ideal matchup for Pitt's offense. Miami can be vulnerable in the secondary, but the visitors are not exactly equipped to exploit that weakness with Heintschel out for the year.
The Panthers have since alternated senior Holden Geriner and freshman Corey Dailey under center, with neither being particularly effective. Narduzzi is reportedly giving Geriner the nod this weekend, although Dailey is likely to see some action, especially if Geriner gets off to a slow start.
If Pitt becomes one-dimensional on offense, that feeds directly into Miami's strengths. The Hurricanes are No. 1 in the entire country in run defense, allowing only 58.5 yards per game on 2.3 yards per carry while giving up just two touchdowns on the ground.
They also rank eighth nationally in PPA per rush and second in rush success allowed outside of garbage time since Week 2.
This is simply a rough matchup for Pitt in a second straight road contest against a far superior opponent. Expect one-way traffic for the favorites.
Over 51.5 (-110)
The Over obviously correlates nicely with the 'Canes covering the spread, because they will have to score - perhaps in bunches - in order to win by at least three touchdowns. And that is exactly what head coach Mario Cristobal's team can do.
Not unlike the case with the Hurricanes, the Panthers' secondary is a weak point and in Miami's case it is able to take advantage.
Pitt gives up a boatload of explosive plays, which is part of the reason why it is yielding 249.0 passing yards per game on 7.8 yards per attempt.
It's hard to see that unit containing a Darian Mensah-led Miami offense that is tops in the land in PPA per pass and second in pass success rate since Week 2.
The 'Canes are coming off a 43-35 double-overtime thriller against Florida State in which they had 28 points pinned on them in regulation by a very bad Seminoles team.
They also let Wake Forest score 20 earlier this year and although that's not to say the Panthers will go crazy, but they should be able to contribute to the total.
All things considered, the Over looks like the way to go.
Javian Mallory over 51.5 rushing yards (-115)
There is no denying that the Panthers' run defense is outstanding, but they have not faced any kind of test similar to the one that will be presented by Mallory and Mark Fletcher Jr.
Moreover, Miami's RBs should rack up a decent chunk of yards on sheer volume alone. The likely game script calls for the 'Canes to secure a sizable lead quickly, after which they can work the clock by keeping the ball on the ground.
Fletcher may be Miami's No. 1 running back in theory, but he was banged up earlier in the year and they don't need to give him a ton of carries if this game gets out of hand.
Mallory has rushed 27 times for 171 yards over the past two weeks, including a 108-yard, two-touchdown performance at Florida State's expense.
Even with a tough matchup on his hands, look for the freshman to keep his momentum rolling.
Read more college football picks and predictions on site.
Pitt vs. Miami odds
Pitt | +1000 |
Miami | -2000 |
Spread | Miami -20.5 |
Total | O/U 48.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
