NCAAF Week 15: Pittsburgh vs. Georgia Tech odds, preview and pick

We get a throwback to years gone by this evening with a Thursday night mid-level ACC matchup! Hang onto your hat as the Pittsburgh Panthers (5-5 SU, 3-6-1 ATS) head south to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-6 SU, 4-5 ATS). 

Pittsburgh has owned Georgia Tech

Pittsburgh has won four of the last five games in this matchup, including a 20-10 victory at Georgia Tech in 2019. For Georgia Tech, that is long forgotten history as they continue to play young players in their rebuild. In last week’s game against North Carolina State, Georgia Tech had 10 players out and relied on two true freshmen at defensive end in a 23-13 loss. It is currently unknown how many of those missing players will return for Thursday night, but for obvious reasons, the more the better.

Pitt was humbled by Clemson

For Pittsburgh, Thursday's game is a bounce back opportunity after getting destroyed by conference heavyweight, Clemson, will be welcomed. That game against the Tigers back on Nov. 28 was the last time we saw saw the Panthers.

Against Clemson, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett threw four of his eight interceptions on the year, but he’s otherwise been a steady senior starter, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt, which is the highest by far of his three years as a regular starter. His 62.4% completion percentage is also a career-high.

The Panthers have been playing lockdown D

Under the leadership of head coach Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh has built a respectable defense and is 15th in the country in yards surrendered per play, giving up 4.7 yards per play. Prior to playing Clemson, they were even better, coming in 11th in the country and just 4.2 yards per play on the road.

While Georgia Tech freshman quarterback Jeff Sims has flashed his talent at multiple times throughout the year, he will likely struggle against Rashad Weaver and the Panthers defense. Weaver is a candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's best defensive player, and has 14.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles on the season.

When these teams face off, Pittsburgh will come prepared to execute more effectively than it did against Clemson, when it failed to take care of the ball and did a poor job tackling. The Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games coming off a bye week, and with both a better offense and defense, they should be in a good position to win and cover against the Yellow Jackets.

Score prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Georgia Tech 17

NCAAF pick: Pittsburgh -6.5

Wager on all NCAAF Week 15 action now at BetAmerica!