Both Pitt and West Virginia have gone in vastly different directions since the programs last met on Nov. 25, 2011.
The West Virginia Mountaineers were one of the best programs in the Big East Conference during the league’s final few seasons and a perennial Top 25 program.
However, anyone making West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers betting predictions will see the balance of power has shifted.
Solid Big East
Pitt was a solid Big East program but has blossomed since moving to the ACC. Twice over the past seven seasons, the Panthers have played in the ACC Championship game.
Pitt won the ACC Championship last season, making the first-ever outright conference title for the Panthers. West Virginia has been largely mediocre under coach Neal Brown.
The Mountaineers are 17-18 during his three-year tenure and haven’t finished with a winning conference record under his guidance. When it comes to NCAAF matchups, this will be an important game for Brown to win over the fanbase.
Last Matchup Scoreboard
West Virginia finished last season 6-7, including an 18-6 loss to Minnesota in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Pitt finished last season with an 11-3 record, their best since 1981. The Panthers lost to Michigan State in the Peach Bowl.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Analysis
Mountaineers Analysis
Anyone looking at an NCAAF schedule will see that West Virginia, once again, doesn’t have high expectations for performance during the 2022 season.
During the Big 12 football media preseason poll, the Mountaineers were picked to finish last in the conference. West Virginia will have a number of areas from last season it has to improve in to be able to grab more wins.
The Mountaineers ranked 78 nationally in points score, producing 26.8 points per game. West Virginia’s new offensive coordinator, former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, will attempt to get the Mountaineers’ offense back on track.
West Virginia was able to lure former Georgia quarterback JT Daniels to West Virginia. The Mountaineers have several players returning at the skill positions on the offensive line, but none were really stars.
Panthers Analysis
Following five years with a home-grown quarterback, anyone making NCAAF picks could see Pitt’s desire to add a quarterback in the transfer market.
When the Panthers brought in Kedon Slovis from USC, many thought Pitt was back on track to contend for an ACC Coastal Division title. But the transfer market took away the player who would have been Slovis’ top target.
People making West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers betting predictions will see that Jordan Addison left Pitt to head to USC.
Panthers Offense
Addison, who was the Biletnikoff Award winner last season, was primed to be a top target in Pitt’s offense. Instead, the Panthers will have to lean on Jared Wayne and Akron transfer tight end Konata Mumpfield.
Pitt will also return all five starters from their offensive line. The Panthers also return Israel Abanikanda at running back.
Pitt’s defensive line returns two all-ACC players who will be determined to tear through opposing offensive lines all season.
O’Laughlin: 2022 Mackey Award Nominee
West Virginia tight end Mike O’Laughlin was brought along cautiously in spring camp by West Virginia. O’Laughlin, who was a 2022 Mackey Award nominee, was only able to play in five games last season due to injury.
Slovis did get hurt during preseason camp, but Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said it was just a minor injury and shouldn’t impact him playing against West Virginia.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Preview
People making West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers betting predictions won’t be the only ones interested in this game.
Fans of both schools have been long waiting for a return of the two schools separated by less than 100 miles.
Looking at the NCAAF odds, Pittsburgh has ballooned to a 7.5-point favorite. The Panthers are -278 on the moneyline, while West Virginia is +215. The over/under has been set at 51.5 points.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Prediction
The Mountaineers haven’t been tremendously successful under Brown. Even with a new approach on the offensive, West Virginia will need to work hard to keep Daniels upright, as Pittsburgh’s defensive line will once again be one of the team’s best units.
While Pitt’s offense may take some time to get up to speed with a new quarterback and offensive coordinator, Slovis has already proven to be a capable college player at USC.
Who to Bet On?
While West Virginia dominated the series during the end of when the two schools played regularly, all of that is ancient history now.
The Mountaineers will have to reestablish they can compete with a Pitt program that is on the upswing. Bet on Pittsburgh -7.5.
NCAAF Pick: Panthers -7.5 (-110)
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