The Pittsburgh Panthers (4-2, 1-1 in ACC) head south in Week 8 to take on the Louisville Cardinals (3-3, 1-3) in the Bluegrass State. Despite a better record this season, the Panthers are slight underdogs on the road in this pivotal game between ACC Coastal and Atlantic rivals.
Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports and college football lines for Pittsburgh vs Louisville. We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Despite entering as road ‘dogs, the Pitt Panthers’ offense is just as good, if not better, than the Cardinals. They rank 34th nationally in scoring (33 points per game), and 48th in yards per game (436.2), While senior quarterback Kedon Slovis is no Kenny Pickett, he’s been solid.
However, the team’s success starts with junior running back Israel Abanikanda (129 carries, 830 yards, 12 touchdowns in six games). He tore Virginia Tech to shreds last out, compiling an awe-inspiring 320 rushing yards (six touchdowns) in a 45-29 win. He wiped Tony Dorseet out of the Panther record book in the process. That is more than some guys see in four years of college play. It was his second game this season with more than four rush touchdowns. We can’t expect him to do that each week, but it’s evident Abanikanda is a force.
Louisville Cardinals
Looking at the stats, results, and trends for both teams, and we have to wonder why the Cardinals are the favorites. It’s an offense ranking outside of the top 50 in points per game and red-zone scoring. They also amass a ton of penalties (7.7 per game). Those are just the penalties on offense, mind you.
Furthermore, the Cardinals’ rushing defense isn’t that much better than that of the Hokies. That’s the one Abanikanda undressed to the tune of 320 yards and six touchdowns (see above). Louisville ranks 46th in rushing defense, while Tech now ranks 62nd after Abanikanda. With Pitt’s momentum and confidence on the ground, we aren’t confident the Cardinals will be able to sufficiently slow them down to win, let alone cover.
Pittsburgh vs Louisville Injury Report
Pittsburgh vs Louisville Head-to-Head
Pittsburgh is leading the all-time series, 10-8, with the Panthers currently on a two-game win streak against the Cardinals.
Pittsburgh vs Louisville Game information
- Game: Pittsburgh (4-2) vs Louisville (3-3)
- Location: Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 8 p.m. ET
- Pittsburgh vs Louisville Live Stream: ESPN
Pittsburgh vs Louisville Betting Lines
Pittsburgh vs Louisville Prediction
This will come down to how effective the Cardinals defense is at stopping the juggernaut that is the Pitt rushing game. Piutt doesn’t rank among the best teams in the nation, but against a mediocre 3-3 Louisville team, expect Abanikanda to lead his team to another big ACC win.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
