Pitt 'official' underdogs against Syracuse according to Vegas

Facing the No. 2 team in the nation in Syracuse, most of us figured that Pitt would go into the Carrier Dome as underdogs. That's the case as the Panthers are 4 1/2 to 5-point underdogs in today's game.

Despite Pitt's history against Syracuse in New York, it's hard to imagine that they'd be favored here. Syracuse played a more difficult non-conference schedule and still has an unblemished record, while Pitt's was a bit weaker and they have the ugly loss to Cincinnati. Really, that line isn't all that bad when you take into account it's a difficult road matchup for anybody.

If there's anything encouraging, it's that the line has come down a little bit as it started off around seven points. But for now, Vegas clearly thinks that Pitt is a solid underdog in this game.

Let's face it - playing only their second game without Durand Johnson, on the road, and against what may be the best team in the country, it's hard to argue. Five points is probably right around where I'd expect the line to fall.

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