Against the Odds: Despite Top 25 ranking, Pitt an underdog to Miami

Despite a Top 25 ranking and winning five of their last six games, Pitt’s football team is not expected to win against Miami this weekend. Early odds for this weekend’s game have the Panthers at a 5 1/2-point underdog.

Even if that line comes down a little, it is not likely to be significant enough to favor Pitt this weekend. And I’m a little surprised by that.

The Panthers are not only on a role but have been dominating their opponents on both sides of the ball. Pitt defeated Wake Forest by three touchdowns this weekend and beat Virginia Tech by 30 the week before. While no one will excuse those teams as powerhouses, neither is Miami. The Hurricanes have been as cold as Pitt has been hot, losing four of their last five games. That streak included losses to Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Duke - all teams Pitt defeated this year.

The line must be somewhat dependent on Pitt having clinched the ACC Coastal Division and not needing this game quite as much. But as I’ve said, I expect them to come out ready to play and, now, hungry to keep their Top 25 ranking heading into the ACC title game with Clemson.

What do you think of the line’s open of 5 ¹⁄₂ points in Miami’s favor? Vote in the poll below.

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