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Pitt Panthers 2014 NCAA Football Gambling Odds & Predictions

2014-15 Football Previews – (ACC) – Panthers

At various times in their history Pitt has been among the top teams in the country…but it has been a long time since Marino and Dorsett have been on campus.

Pitt Panthers

Head Coach: Paul Chryst
2013 Record: 7-6
Gambling Odds to win National Championship: 500/1
Gambling Odds to win (ACC): 50/1
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At this point the program is really just focused on winning the games it is supposed to. Last year was like that as they had not bad losses in my books. The fact is this is a middling program that thinks it should me more.

Its just not realistic but they can keep cranking out 8-5 or 7-6 seasons and keep their fingers crossed.

Strengths:

Receiver Tyler Boyd had a fantastic freshman season with more than 80 catches and 1100 yards. He is one of the best receivers in the ACC and he will need to develop some chemistry with a new starting quarterback Chad Voytik. He is going to get a lot of attention from opposing secondaries but he is physically up to the challenge.

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The right side of the offensive line will be a strength with two returning senior starters. Matt Rotheram is load at guard and good enough to make the all ACC second team pre-season.

If the Panthers are going to improve on a running game that was ranked 1002 last season they are going to definitely push right.

The Panthers are set up to enjoy some early success and get to avoid the top teams in the Atlantic division in Florida State and Clemson.
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If they wind up being better than expected they could collect 4 or 5 wins before the meat of their conference season begins. By then Voytik won’t be so green anymore.

Weaknesses:

A defense that was far from great returns only 5 starters from a year ago.

The ACC has more prolific and varied offenses than people realize and it is very possible that the Panthers defensive shortcomings undo them in conference play. Of the returnees not a single one was selected for an all conference team.

Chad Voytik is a wonderful athlete who can run as well as throw.

The most action he saw was in the bowl game against Bowling Green but really any reps he got might not be that valuable if they change up the offense to take advantage of his physical gifts. A little experience is a good thing but this guy is essentially a freshman starter.

10 of the projected starters for the Panthers are sophomores and most of them have not proven themselves.

The reality is that Pittsburgh hasn’t exactly been killing it on the recruiting trail so what are the odds that all these young players are ready to deliver an increase over recent performances.

Gambling Prediction: 7-5

2014 Pitt Schedule

  • Aug 30 – Delaware
  • Sep 6 – @Boston College
  • Sep 13 @Florida International
  • Sep 20 – Iowa
  • Sep 27 – Akron
  • Oct 4 – @Virginia
  • Oct 16 – Virginia Tech
  • Oct 25 – Georgia Tech
  • Nov 1 – Duke
  • Nov 15 – @North Carolina
  • Nov 22 – Syracuse
  • Nov 29 – @Miami(Fl)

From a betting perspective I am looking at those back to back home games against Iowa and Akron. Good things are expected from the Hawkeyes so it could be a loss but that Akron game could be a chance to get on the Panthers.

If they lose to Iowa there should be some good value in that one. However, if they win, you might want to fade them against the Zips.

I am not saying upset but this team is not going to be all that spectacular and the number could be a little too rich.

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By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.