As the Pittsburgh Panthers and Cincinnati Bearcats prepare to square off, here’s a prediction and best bets for this matchup.
The ACC’s Pittsburgh Panthers head to Cincinnati, Ohio, this Saturday to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats from the Big 12.
Both teams started the 2024 season with wins: Pittsburgh cruised to a 55-24 victory over Kent State, while Cincinnati handled Towson 38-20. After difficult 3-9 seasons in 2023, both programs are looking to rebound and aim for bowl eligibility as they navigate their respective conferences this year. This matchup presents an early opportunity for each team to prove they’re back on track.
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Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati Betting Preview
- Spread
Cincinnati -2.5
- Moneyline
Pittsburgh +110, Cincinnati -130
- Over/Under
62.5
- Game time
Noon ET
- Location
Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- How to Watch
ESPN2
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Prediction for Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
For starters, a definite revenge factor is at play, as Cincinnati edged out Pittsburgh 27-21 on the Panthers’ home turf last season. This time, Pittsburgh enters the matchup with momentum after a dominant 55-point showing against Kent State, their highest-scoring game since 2020.
Under head coach Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh’s offense appears revitalized, thanks to new offensive coordinator Cade Bell’s up-tempo approach and a strong ground game. If the Panthers can maintain this balance, they could keep Cincinnati’s defense off balance and seize control early. Defensively, Pittsburgh’s priority will be stopping the Bearcats’ run game, featuring eight ball carriers in their Week 1 win over Towson.
Cincinnati, led by Indiana transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, will look to establish their run game again. Sorsby accounted for four touchdowns—two passing and two rushing—in the opener, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Running back Evan Pryor also contributed 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding to the Bearcats’ versatile ground attack.
Pitt’s redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein looked sharp in his debut, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns, with Kenny Johnson emerging as his top target with seven catches for 105 yards and a score. The early connection between Holstein and Bell has made the Panthers’ offense particularly dangerous.
This game is challenging to predict, as both teams impressed in their Week 1 victories and seem poised to improve in 2024. It will come down to contrasting styles, with Pitt looking to impose their offensive balance and Cincinnati relying on their run-heavy attack.
I lean toward Pittsburgh in this matchup. The Panthers’ offense seems to have found its rhythm early, and the added revenge factor, combined with forcing Cincinnati to throw more than they’d like, gives Pitt the edge to grind out a win on the road.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, Cincinnati 27
