Pitt vs Cincinnati: Game Info, Odds, Three Storylines
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers will face their first true test of the 2023 regular season when they welcome Cincinnati to Acrisure Stadium for a battle of ACC vs. Big 12.
The Panthers have some questions to answer as they prepare to face a run of 11 consecutive Power 5 opponents to close out their regular season schedule, one of the most difficult in the country.
Game Info
Opponent: Cincinnati Bearcats (1-0 overall, 0-0 Big 12)
Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
Location: Acrisure Stadium; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: ACC Network and 93.7 The Fan
Odds
The Panthers opened as modest, 3.5-point favorites over the Bearcats but the line has since moved to seven and is as large as eight on some sportsbooks. The point total line has been set at 45 and Pitt is favored at -300 on the moneyline vs. +235 for Cincinnati.
Three Storylines
A New Level of Competiton
The Bearcats are far bigger, faster and stronger than Pitt's last opponent and Pitt will have to adjust quickly to a heightened level of competition.
Emory Jones and his speedy group of Power 5 transfer receivers will be the first to stress a Pitt secondary that is extremely solid and veteran at the corner spots, but green at safety. Javon McIntyre and P.J. O'Brien have talent, but they'll need to really show it this week.
The same goes for Pitt's offensive line, which will face one of the biggest and most talented defensive lines that they will stand across from all season long.
Up and down the lineup, there are good athletes with plenty of talent that will truly test these Panthers as they open a stretch of 11 consecutive games against Power 5 opponents.
Panthers OL Looking For Answers
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi was concerned with pressure coming through the middle of the offensive line following the win over Wofford, saying it affected quarterback Phil Jurkovec's accuracy.
The Panthers had to make a mid-training camp change to the depth chart, elevating Jason Collier Jr. to a starting guard spot after Ryan Jacoby went down with a season-ending injury.
There are now some more moving parts along the offensive line that Pitt will need to address as they face a really strong Bearcats front seven. Starting guard Blake Zubovic said it mostly comes down to communication and his unit hopes another week of work together will patch those issues.
Starting RB Question
Rodney Hammond is listed as the lone starter on the depth chart, but the actual game plan has played out much differently.
Daniel Carter took the majority of the rushes and yards against Wofford and five different tailbacks saw the field. Narduzzi and running backs coach Andre Powell has said they like to leave the door open for anyone to emerge based on practice performance and who's hot on gameday.
As far as anyone knows, the Panthers coaching staff will do just that heading into game No. 2.
Hammond has the experience and proven production. Carter has the smarts, versatility and momentum. Flemmister has speed and pass-catching ability. Who's skills will prove more valuable is anyone's guess.
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