Against the Odds: Pitt favored against Albany - but by how much?

We all know that Pitt is the favorite coming into their game against Albany. But as the contest is against an FCS foe, that can make it difficult to find odds on the game.

Oddshark, though, predicts a final score and it might not be as impressive as you think. The site calls for a game somewhere in the neighborhood of 26-15.

That, of course, is pretty underwhelming. A win is a win is a win but, beating an FCS team by only 11 points at home just isn’t real impressive.

That score also seems quite possible given the recent track record, though. Last year, Pitt needed overtime to defeat FCS team Youngstown State and also only beat the Penguins by seven points back in 2015 in the opener. The Panthers just typically have struggled coming out of the gate, seemingly in part because the coaches have hesitant to show too much of their hand that early in the season against a team that, realistically, they should have little trouble with.

Pitt will also be facing a senior quarterback in Vincent Testaverde, son of NFL quarterback Vinny Testaverde. He hasn’t played much in his career but has also been around the block quite a few times in terms of practices. Going up against a retooled secondary that lost two NFL draft picks from last season could, unfortunately, make things quite interesting.

I don’t think a blowout is entirely out of the question. Pitt hasn’t had an absolute beatdown in the opener under Narduzzi but did manage to defeat Villanova somewhat comfortably in 2016, 28-7. And if the defense manages to grab some turnovers it’s possible that the team could win big. Still, when you look at the team’s performances in the few openers under Narduzzi, it makes it hard to expect big wins.

What is your prediction for the game? Vote in the poll below.

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