2011 BCS Predictions: Pittsburgh Panthers 2010 College Football Odds

The Pittsburgh Panthers held a 31-10 home lead over Cincinnati in the season finale and deciding game of the Big East Conference championship last year only to blow it all in a painful 44-45 loss. The Panthers finished with a record of 10-3 straight up and 8-4 against the spread in college football odds after a bowl win over North Carolina. Heading into 2011 BCS predictions though, despite losing 6 starters on offense including quarterback Bill Stull and with only 6 defensive starters returning, the Panthers are the college football betting favorite to win the Big East. Online sportsbooks have the Pitt Panthers at +6000 to win the BCS Championship, +250 to win the Big East Championship and an over/under regular season win total of 8 UNDER (-125).

The combination of other teams in the Big East also suffering key losses along with the improved foundation and recruiting of head coach Dave Wannstedt are among the reasons why expectations remain high for the Panthers in 2010. Among the key performers back on offense is 2nd Team All American running back Dion Lewis, who rushed for 1862 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. Lewis is a great example of the improved caliber of player that Wannstedt has been able to bring to Pitt. Despite the losses in graduation many handicappers would argue that this is the most talented and deep Pitt roster in Wannstedt’s 6 years on the job.

Pitt was 8-4 against the spread in college football odds last year and turned modest profits the 2 seasons before that. They have been a tough road underdog in the past 3 seasons with a mark of 7-2 against the point-spread. Pitt has a tough schedule with non conference road games at Utah and Notre Dame, Big East games at Connecticut, South Florida, Cincinnati and the Back Yard Brawl against West Virginia at home on November 26th for what could be the league title. The Miami Hurricanes will be a tough non conference visitor.