Saturday, September 27, 2014

Heinz Field in Pittsburgh

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Strong defense and the nation's leading rusher have fueled the Pitt Panthers (3-1) hot start to the 2014 college football season. Akron, on the other hand, has used almost the exact opposite strategy on the heels of back to back losses. This one could get ugly as Pittsburgh is expected to win by almost three touchdowns, but if the Panthers are caught looking ahead to the meat of the ACC schedule the Zips could sneak in and keep it close.

While Akron (1-2) may not run the ball a lot, they do boast the FBS' 34th ranked passing attack at almost 300 YPG. Unfortunately for the Zips, QB Kyle Pohl has regressed in each game since a 308 yard, 4TD season opening win over Howard. In fact, Pohl was downright awful last week in a 48-17 loss to Marshall. The Junior was just 17/37 for 151 yards and 2 INT and was lifted in the 4th quarter for freshman Tommy Woodson who was 8/15 for 100 yards and a TD. Akron needs to get the aerial attack back on track to have any chance against Pittsburgh, considering the Zips ground game is ranked 119th in the nation with just 91.3 YPG.

One team who isn't struggling to run the ball is Pittsburgh, who boasts the nation's leading rusher with James Conner and his 699 yards and 9 TD. The sophomore Conner has terminated opposing defenses hopes, rushing for 150+ yards in all 4 Pitt games. The Panthers are coming off a stunning 24-20 loss to Iowa at home in which they squandered a 10-point halftime lead. Conner finished with 155 yards and a TD but was largely held in check in the 2nd half which allowed the Hawkeyes' comeback.

Pittsburgh boasts the nation's leading rusher and the #4 defense in yards per game which does translate to victories more often than not. The team was blindsided by an Iowa team relying on their backup QB but it may have been a nice wake up call to take no opponent lightly. Look out Akron.

Akron Zips Betting Trends

Akron Zips are 1-2-0 Against the Spread

Akron Zips are 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Panthers are 2-2-0 Against the Spread

Pittsburgh Panthers are 2-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Akron Zips

09/21/14 OL Dylan Brumbaugh Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Pittsburgh U
09/21/14 RB Jawon Chisholm Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Pittsburgh U
09/21/14 LB Justin March Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Pittsburgh U

Pittsburgh Panthers

09/07/14 OL Artie Rowell ACL out for season
08/20/14 DB Trenton Coles Personal has left team
08/02/14 LB Ejuan Price Pectoral out for season
08/02/14 DB Titus Howard Suspension out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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