Pittsburgh Panthers 2023-2024 NCAAF Season Betting/Odds Preview

The Pitt Panthers are coming off a solid 9-4 season, yet there was something to be desired about last year. The team was equipped with the talent but came up short in what felt like some winnable games and never genuinely challenged for the ACC Title like the 2021 team led by Kenny Pickett did.

Much of that was likely due to the quarterback position, which is much-improved thanks to two transfers coming in during the off-season. Sixth-year senior Phil Jurkovec is looking to have a year that translates into being an NFL draft pick. That is something that would bode well for the Panthers, but he will be pushed by a very talented Penn State transfer in Christian Veilleux, who, even if he doesn't win the job this year, is set up to be the starter next season. 

We will also take a look at some of the most interesting odds and lines for the Panthers available at Pennsylvania online sportsbooks. Don't stop reading now, as this will give Pitt fans and Pennsylvania sports bettors alike the skinny on this year's team.

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi is going into his tenth year and, by many standards, has given the Panther program long-term stability. Yet there is a craving for more, and the Pitt program has had some really good years under Narduzzi but has yet to break through for any notable championships or postseason appearances.

In many respects, this season could be the type of year where Pitt starts to find out if Narduzzi can be the guy to take the program to the heights fans are hoping for. Getting the quarterback spot right and taking advantage of one of the easier ACC schedules is a must for Pitt this season.

With that, there are some things we can learn from last season's team when it comes to their betting trends that may help Pennsylvania online sports bettors have a better idea of how to wager on the Panthers week in and week out.

Notable Panthers 22-23 Betting Trends

• Pitt was 9-4 as a team but only 6-7 against the spread last season.
• The team did finish the season on a five-game win streak and was 4-1 ATS in those games.
• Pitt was 1-3 last ATS as an underdog. 
• Pitt was 3-1 ATS following a loss.
• The Panthers were 3-0 ATS as an away favorite.
• Pitt was 4-4 ATS in ACC games.

Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Phil Jurkovec, Christian Veilleux

The quarterback spot, as mentioned, has had a significant talent injection and has more quality in depth overall this season. Can that lead to a more consistent offense this season? One thing is for sure is that if Jurkovec doesn't get it done, there is talent behind him that could leapfrog him.

RB: Rodney Hammond Jr., C'Bo Flemister, Derrick Davis Jr.

The running backs are strong, with Hammond returning to lead the way and LSU transfer Derrick Davis Jr. adding to an already talented room.

WR: Daejon Reynolds, Bub Means, Konata Mumfield, Jake McConnachie, Israel Polk, Lamar Seymore

Mumfield and Means are both solid targets who should help in the short and mid-range level, while Florida transfer Daejon Reynolds can take the top of the defense.

TE: Gavin Bartholomew, Karter Johnson, Malcolm Epps

Bartholomew had a decent year with 21 catches but could be poised for a breakout season as long as he is used more this season.

LT:  Branson Taylor, Ryan Baer

LG: Ryan Jacoby, Dorien Ford

C: Jake Kradel, BJ Williams

RG: Blake Zubovic, Karter Johnson

RT: Matt Goncalves, Jason Collier

Four seniors and a junior lead the way for a veteran offensive line unit that could be one of the best in the ACC if they stay healthy.

Defensive Depth Chart

DT: David Green, Devin Danielson, Deandre Jules, Tyler Bentley

EDGE: Dayon Hayes, Nahki Johnson, Nate Temple, Bam Brima

Similar to the offensive line, the defensive line is a veteran unit with seven seniors and a redshirt sophomore in the 2-deep. Strong play at the line of scrimmage could help this Pitt team overachieve.

MLB: Shayne Simon, Brandon George

OLB: Solomon DeShields, Bangaly Kamara, Kyle Louis, Aydin Henningham

A strong veteran linebacking unit will have a good chance to rack up tackles and stuff the run with a good run-stuffing d-line in front of them.

CB: M.J. Devonshire, Marquis Williams, Ryland Gandy, A.J. Woods, Rashad Battle

Narduzzi is long known for putting his corners on an island, and this may be the best combo he has ever had, as MJ Devonshire and Marquis Williams could be the ACC's best corner pair.

S:  Javon Mcintyre, Phillip O'Brien, Stephon Hall, Donovan McMillon, Buddy Mack III

With several options at the safety spots, this unit could mix and match at times but expect Javon Mcintyre to be a solid leader in the back seven.

Special Teams Depth Chart

K: Ben Sauls

P: Caleb Junko

LS: Byron Floyd

Sauls was 20-24 on the season while hitting 15-16 field goals down the stretch for Pitt and will be a good weapon for the Panthers. Pitt struggled punting last season until walk-on Caleb Junko took over and averaged 48.7 yards a punt in twelve attempts. While a small sample, for Pitt, he can solidify the punt unit this season.

Coming in the NCAAF season, the Panthers have some exciting and potentially profitable betting lines/odds. We share the best value odds for several different futures bets available on PA sports betting apps. The PA BetMGM Sportsbook has the Panthers at +50000 to win the National Championship. Listed below are some of the other best-value futures odds and lines for online Pennsylvania sports betting. 

• +2500 to win the ACC at PA FanDuel Sportsbook.
• Over (-115) / Under (-115) 7 wins at Pennsylvania Caesars Sportsbook.
• Phil Jurkovec +20000 to win the Heisman at BetMGM Sportsbook.