The University of Virginia Cavaliers (3-6, 1-5 ACC) host the No. 24 University of Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4, 2-3 ACC) at David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium on Saturday for a matchup that pits one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s toughest rush defenses against one of its most potent ground offenses. The Panthers are 4.5-point favorites, and the total is 40.
Pittsburgh is coming off a 19-9 win over No. 22 Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium last Saturday. Kedon Slovis was 16 of 23 for 176 yards and an interception. Rodney Hammond Jr. ran 28 times for 124 yards and a touchdown. Jared Wayne caught six passes for 102 yards.
Virginia lost 31-28 to No. 17 North Carolina at David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium last Saturday. Brennan Armstrong threw for 232 yards and an interception. Mike Hollins carried 16 times for 75 yards. Sackett Wood Jr. hauled in six receptions for 94 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Panthers won the only game between the teams last season, a 48-38 victory in November. Kenny Pickett threw four touchdowns for Pittsburgh, as Jordan Addison scored four times. Brennan Armstrong tossed three touchdowns for Virginia.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Panthers are averaging 29.2 points per game for the season, 67th in FBS, and they are facing a Cavaliers defense that has surrendered 22.6 PPG (41st). Meanwhile, Virginia has scored 18.1 points a game this season, 122nd in the nation, and Pittsburgh is allowing 25.8 PPG (66th).
The Panthers rank 84th in the country in passing yards per game (221.7) and 48th in rushing (179.8), while the Cavaliers are 34th in passing yards allowed per game (204.0) and 73rd against the run (149.2). Virginia is 76th in the country in passing yards per game (228.7) and 84th in rushing (137.7).
Pittsburgh’s defense could present a challenge on the ground, as the Panthers are 16th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (109.4). Against the pass, the Panthers are 56th (218.8).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through eight games, Kedon Slovis has thrown for five touchdowns (6 INT) and 217.1 yards per game to lead Pittsburgh in passing. In two away games this season, he has zero TDs (2 INT) and an average of 197.0 yards passing.
Israel Abanikanda leads the team in rushing with an average of 135.8 yards a game over eight games. He has 16 touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Jared Wayne is the Panthers’ leading receiver with 84.2 yards a game and one TD.
Brennan Armstrong has six passing touchdowns (10 INT) with 228.7 yards per game through nine games to lead Virginia. In five home games this season, he has thrown for three TDs (4 INT) and an average of 256.6 yards.
Brennan Armstrong also leads the team in rushing with an average of 46.3 yards per game. He has six touchdowns on the ground. Keytaon Thompson has been a key target in the Cavaliers’ passing game, averaging 72.4 yards per game through eight appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Virginia (+170)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
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