Free NCAA Football Prediction: Broncos vs Panthers Odds
Looking for Western Michigan Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Panthers free picks? College football betting sees the Broncos taking on the Panthers on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 3 predictions like this Broncos Panthers free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 3
Western Michigan (1-1) vs. Pitt Panthers (2-0)
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Time: 12:00 pm EST
Venue: Heinz Field
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: Western Michigan +15 / Pittsburgh -15
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Western Michigan +550 / Pittsburgh -650
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 59
Week 3 college football sees the Western Michigan Broncos and Pitt Panthers meet at Heinz Field.
The Western Michigan Broncos may be 1 – 1 this season but a loss to mighty Michigan is not the worst scenario for Tim Lester’s bunch. The Broncos made some leeway on defense last weekend with a 28 – 0 shutout win over Illinois State, albeit an FCS program.
The Panthers are now 2 – 0 after their emotional 41 – 34 win over Tennessee in Rocky Top last weekend. Pitt came out flat and had to endure some early setbacks but as the offense got on pace the game settled into a shootout that Pitt found a way to win.
The Panthers program might not be seen among the elite of the ACC but this is a team with an experienced quarterback, an experienced coach, and a 32 – 4 record against MAC foes to rely on.
The Panthers are favored by 15 points in this MAC vs. ACC matchup.
Western Michigan Broncos
The Broncos knew that this would be one of the toughest games on their schedule going up against Pat Narduzzi and a senior QB in Pickett.
Western Michigan also knows that they have a QB of their own who can toss a football around in Kaleb Eleby. All Eleby did in 2020 was throw 18 TD and only 2 picks while earning 3rd-Team MAC honors.
So, it was his job to lose and he certainly has held on to it over the spring despite losing his OC to the NFL. Eleby has started off the season with a 2 / 0 TD to INT ratio early this season, but those numbers should surely change as the MAC schedule starts in two weeks.
Eleby already has a pair of 100-yard receivers with Hall and Crooms, as each of them has found the end zone once apiece. They are the only two receivers to find scores thus far although Ladarius Jefferson has rushed for 3 TD for the Broncos. He and Sean Tyler have gotten most of the carries for coach Lester out of the gate as the two of them are both over 100-yards on the ground (144 and 133 resp).
Getting pressure on opposing QBs and coming up with turnovers is a must for this team and they have not done much of either thus far. There has not been a pick yet and Ralph Holley has the team’s only sack through 2 games.
Pitt Panthers
Pittsburgh looked tight and nervous against Tennessee last weekend, but as the game went on they loosened up and just got to playing football. The Vols took a 10 – 0 lead to the 2nd quarter and Rocky Top was in full throat supporting Tennessee who looked fired up and ready for Pitt. Pickett put an end to all of that noise with a 27 point 2nd quarter as each team simply exchanged scored in the 3rd and 4th quarter.
Kenny Pickett ended the game with 2 TD passes, no picks, and 285 passing yards and he added another with his legs. Pickett was certainly the game MVP and it is even more evident when you look at the Pitt team stats from the win.
Oh, and the 5 sacks from the defense didn’t hurt either.
Pitt got outrushed 138 to 96, allowed 132 return yards, and their leading rusher only brought in 43 yards. Israel Abanikanda only carried the ball 12 times and never got into the open field. Vincent Davis found the end zone but he only gained 33 rush yards on 19 carries.
Taysir Mack brought in only 4 balls but found his way to 100 yards in the win, while Jordan Addison caught 6 balls for 64 yards and a score.
Pickett has finally learned to protect the ball and not lead the offense into turnovers. His INT ratio has always been an issue but this far he has thrown 4 TD passes and has no picks against him as of yet this season.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- The Broncos are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games.
- The Broncos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- The Broncos are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog.
- Panthers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
- Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite.
- Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 vs. ACC.
Free Week 3 NCAA Football Pick
Pitt should roll up the Broncos for 55 points and cruise to victory before their big game with New Hampshire next weekend, baby! Woo, that’s a big one not to miss right there! LoL
4* Free Week 3 NCAA Betting Pick:
We are taking the favorite and laying some chalk which is not something you hear out of my face very often.
4* Free Week 3 NCAA Betting Pick: Pitt -15
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