So far, Pitt has been a pleasant surprise. They have won important games against Cincinnati, West Virginia, and North Carolina, and their offense is starting to click.
It made it through the tough early part and now plays four of its next five games at home, including Clemson, before going to Louisville.
It was fun to play for Cal, but the tough loss at Florida State stopped the flow. After that, that happened.
The team blew a huge lead and lost to Miami 39–38, which would have been a game-changer for the whole school.
Four of the next five games are at home after this one. But the Panthers need to quickly turn things around after that.
Cal vs Pitt Preview
Cal vs Pitt How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
How to Watch: ESPN
Pitt (5-0), Cal (3-2)
Why Cal Will Win
Cal, SLOW DOWN.
There are too many good things about the running game for it not to be better. The defense is great at securing the ball, and the pass rush is strong enough to handle Pitt’s strong passing attack.
Even though the Panthers are strong and quick, they only have the ball for about 25 minutes per game.
Cal was not really out of gas when it played Miami, but it did lose control of the game. While the Bears keep running, Pitt should give up more than four yards per carry. The goal is to stay this close until late on the road.
Also, this week, if the attack gets going early, take the air out of the ball.
Why Pitt Will Win
Eli Holstein has done a great job.
This season, Pitt’s passing game has not always been precise, but it is fast, accurate, and scores at least three touchdowns in every game. He will get his yards, but the other team should win.
The offensive line for Cal has been bad. The running game has not been good enough, and the pass protection is terrible. Pitt’s pass rush should take over.
The defensive line playmakers may not be as strong as they were in past years, but this group can get behind the line.
Cal vs Pitt: Who Will Win
Cal can not do this without taking out.
It was not a big deal to beat UC Davis and San Diego State, but Auburn was shocked when they lost 21–14 because they had five steals and more turnovers than plays.
It was even when they lost to Florida State and Miami, plus two points when they lost to UC Davis and plus one point when they lost to SDSU.
Pitt has only lost one turnover battle this season, and that was last week against North Carolina, when they were down -1. The difference in turnovers should be close to even, if not Pitt’s way.
Cal vs Pitt Prediction, Betting Lines
Pitt 31, Cal 27
Line: Pitt -3.5, o/u: 58.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Cal vs Pitt Must See Rating: 3
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