West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh picks, predictions: Who wins Week 1 college football game?
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The West Virginia Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Panthers play Thursday in a Week 1 college football game.
Which team will win the game?
Check out these picks and predictions for the game, which is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. MST and can be seen on ESPN.
Pittsburgh is a 7.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
College football Week 1 picks, predictions:
Fansided: Lean West Virginia with the points vs. Pittsburgh
Reed Wallach writes: "West Virginia enters this season with question marks of its own is and expected to be considerably worse than the Pitt. The Mountaineers have a win total of 5.5 while the Panthers have a lofty number of 8.5. However, this matchup fits the mold of a spot where Narduzzi struggles. I also think there is some upside to the Mountaineers with talented yet often injured quarterback Daniels coming from Georgia by way of USC. If Daniels and Harrell catch lightning in a bottle and get the passing game going against a stout Pitt defense, this game has all the makings of a barn burner, especially with the hosts being shallow on vertical threats. I think there's a bit too much credit going towards Pitt in Week 1 considering this is a completely different roster from last season, leading me towards the visitors as underdogs."
Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions:
Winners and Whiners: Take West Virginia with the points against Pittsburgh
It writes: "The Panthers and Mountaineers are set to do battle in the 105th rendition of the Backyard Brawl. Both teams will likely be rusty and make mistakes as they incorporate new offenses and new quarterbacks for the first time against anyone other than their own defenses. Both teams will have veteran offensive lines that should be able to minimize pre-snap mistakes, which is a plus. The Panthers look like the better play in this game because of a defense that is much less thrown together than that of the Mountaineers. The Panthers have a dominant defensive front and have a veteran secondary that at least knows how to work together in real-game situations. Both JT Daniels of WVU and Kedon Slovis of Pitt will be working with new coordinators and new receivers. In the end, both teams will go through growing pains but I like the Mountaineers chances to keep this game close with Daniels showing off his potent arm against the Panthers suspect secondary and the Panthers going through some challenges as they shift from a pass-first offense to a more balanced attack. It will take time for the Panthers to kick it in gear and giving away nearly a touchdown is too much in this matchup."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions: Oregon vs. Georgia, Utah vs. Florida key games
College Football News: Pittsburgh 34, West Virginia 30
Pete Fiutak writes: "That Kedon Slovis guy is pretty good. The Panthers might not have Kenny Pickett around anymore, and Jordan Addison might be off catching passes on the coast at USC, but Trojan transfer Slovis can carry the workload. He’s not going to have to do it all alone – there will be a bit more balance to keep everything moving. The return of the Backyard Brawl will be worth the wait. These two rivals haven’t played since 2011 – 21-20 West Virginia win. This time around, 21-20 might be the first half. Daniels will take his share of shots both down the field and from the Pitt defensive front on the way to a huge passing day, but it won’t be quite enough to overcome a solid day from Slovis that will be a back-and-forth fight that goes down to the final drive."
Sports Chat Place: Pittsburgh will cover vs. West Virginia
It writes: "I’m probably staying Pittsburgh here, but I’m going to stay away for a few games until I see the on-field product from the Panthers. Granted, things are still looking pretty positive for Pitt: they’ve been in two of the last four ACC Championship Games and have a solid new OC in Frank Cignetti. Sure, Kenny Pickett is gone, as is Jordan Addison. That said, USC transfer Kedon Slovis will have an excellent offensive line to work behind and the team boasts a nice stable of running backs. Pittsburgh will still likely give up a ton of passing yards, but their talent in all the other facets should more than make up for it."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 odds: Point spreads, money lines, over/under for conference games
Picks and Parlays: Pittsburgh 27, West Virginia 20
It writes: "West Virginia ranked last in the Big 12 conference in rushing offense and a one-dimensional attack will rev up the Pittsburgh defensive line. I expect the Panthers to lean on their offensive line and their running game. Look for Pittsburgh to win at home in a game that stays under the total."
The Sports Geek: Go with Pittsburgh to cover vs. West Virginia
It writes: "Look for the Pitt defensive line to dictate the pace on Thursday night. West Virginia has to establish the run, but it’s likely not happening in Pittsburgh. This entire Panthers’ defensive line is out to impress NFL scouts in 2022. I’m assuming the public backs West Virginia getting a touchdown, but I think Pitt is 10 or 13 points better at home."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 schedule: Game dates, times, television channels, how to watch
ESPN: Pittsburgh has a 78.1% chance to win the game vs. West Virginia
The site gives West Virginia a 21.9% shot at picking up the victory in the Week 1 college football game.
Odds Shark: Pittsburgh 37.6, West Virginia 20.8
The site predicts that the Panthers will win the game and cover the spread and has the total going over.
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh football picks, predictions Week 1 game
