Youngstown State (1-2) takes on Pittsburgh (3-0) on Saturday, September 21, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra.
The Panthers have beaten Kent State, Cincinnati and most recently, West Virginia, 38-34. Meanwhile, the Penguins are coming off a loss vs. Duquesne, 28-25.
Pittsburgh is currently a 24-point favorite on the spread for this contest, with a total of 59.5. The Panthers are also -3500 on the moneyline.
Find my Youngstown State vs Pitt prediction and pick below.
Youngstown State vs Pitt Prediction
- Youngstown State vs Pitt Pick: Pitt -25.5
My Youngstown State vs Pitt best bet is on the Panthers spread with the best line currently available at DraftKings, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Youngstown State vs Pitt Odds
| Youngstown State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+25.5 -110 | 62.5 -110o / -110u | +1500 |
| Pitt Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-25.5 -110 | 62.5 -110o / -110u | -3600 |
- Youngstown State vs Pitt Point Spread: Youngstown State +25.5 (-110) · Pitt -25.5 (-110)
- Youngstown State vs Pitt Total: Over/Under 62.5
- Youngstown State vs Pitt Moneyline: Youngstown State +1500 · Pitt -3600
Youngstown State vs Pitt Preview
Youngstown State Penguins Betting Preview: Need More Rushing Stats
Youngstown State enters Week 4 after a surprising 28-25 home loss to Duquesne in Week 3. The Dukes surged in the second half while Youngstown State struggled to finish drives.
The Penguins' offensive metrics look good, but they're skewed after destroying FCS non-scholarship Valparaiso.
However, against better FCS competition, Youngstown State doesn't have a single rush attempt for over 18 yards despite going to the ground over 60% of the time.
Quarterback Beau Brungard is in his first year as the starter for the Penguins and has completed 48-of-68 passes for 470 yards with three touchdowns and three picks.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview: Defense Getting Tired
Pittsburg is off a thrilling, come-from-behind last-second win in the “Backyard Brawl” against long-time rival West Virginia.
For the second week in a row, Pitt stole victory from the jaws of defeat by scoring twice in the final three minutes against the Mountaineers.
The fast-paced, high-flying offense brought in by new offensive coordinator Kade Bell has already paid off, as Pitt has seen improvement in Passing Downs Success Rate, Pass Explosiveness, and EPA per play.
The Panthers are averaging 481 yards per game, and quarterback Eli Holstein has been solid, completing 68% of his throws for 936 yards and nine touchdowns with only two interceptions. Five pass catchers have at least nine receptions this season, and running back Desmond Reid is averaging around 7.3 yards per carry.
Defensively, the numbers are worse, which was expected as Pitt has wholly changed its offensive style, so the defense is out there for more snaps.
Youngstown State vs Pitt Pick & Prediction
The defensive production is a significant concern for Youngstown State against Pittsburg.
The Penguins return just one starter from last year, including an entirely new defensive line. 13 of the top 14 tacklers from last season are gone, and the defensive rushing metrics are alarming.
The Penguins are allowing nearly 200 yards per game at 7.5 yards per carry. They've already allowed nine rushes for 20-plus yards, consistently getting pushed around by inferior teams.
Pittsburgh should have no issues generating chunk yards on the ground, opening up an efficient passing game. Pitt's offensive line should have a field day against Youngstown State's defensive line.
To compound the defensive concerns, Youngstown State only sees an average of 48 plays per game on defense. The Penguins have played three slower-paced teams season-to-date.
With Pitt running plays every 23 seconds, the Youngstown State defense will fatigue quickly, which could lead to more mistakes.
Offensively, Youngstown State relies entirely on Brungard as a passer and runner. He leads the team in rushing attempts and yards but has already taken a lot of hits this year.
While Pitt does not have an elite defense, they have average-level ACC defensive line play and a solid linebacker group. I expect Pitt to severely limit the Youngstown State rushing attack in this one and create a ton of pressure on Brungard.
Pick: Pitt -25.5 (Play to -27)
How to Watch Youngstown State vs Pitt Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 21 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ACC Network Extra |
Pitt vs Youngstown State Betting Trends
- Youngstown State is 1-2 SU and ATS.
- Pitt is 3-0 SU and ATS, including 1-0 ATS as a favorite.
- Pitt is 2-1 to the over.
Youngstown State vs Pitt Weather
