(Don’t) Bet the Farm: Pitt vs Miami

Pitt faces its next step in its goal to win the Coastal with a noon match up tomorrow against the Miami Hurricanes. Pitt has frankly handled every opponent they’ve faced since beating Clemson last Saturday in front of the best crowd of the season. Pitt is favored by nine in this game, and on paper should be able to cover against the Hurricanes.

Miami has had an up and down season. It didn’t get its first win versus a P5 opponent until last week against top 20 North Carolina State. Most of their loses outside of Alabama have been very close, and they have been playing better since naming Tyler Van Dyke the starter at QB. He’s a true freshman, but has been efficient throwing the ball with just over 1000 yards, 9 TDs, and 3 picks in 4 games as starter.

My only concern is Miami has been playing their opponents close, and finally capitalized last week against North Carolina State. Pitt’s recent strategy of getting ahead early and then promptly suffocating their opponent in the 4th quarter would again be a welcome sight.

Pitt may be out Jordan Addison and Izzy Abanikanda for this game as they were put into the concussion protocol this week. I think Pitt should still win even if both are out, but obviously you’d like to have them if they’re healthy.

Our staff is actually the least confident its been in a game this year. Is it just thinking its the same old Pitt or that Miami will indeed knock off the Panthers rightfully? Who ya got?