Streaking Teams Meet as Navy Midshipmen Hosts Pittsburgh Panthers
The Pittsburgh Panthers (4-1 SU, 1-4 ATS, 1-4 O/U) have reeled off four straight wins, including an encouraging 26-21 win over, then No. 10South Florida on Oct. 2 after a season-opening loss to mediocre Bowling Green.
The Navy Midshipmen (4-2 SU, 3-2 ATS, 2-3 O/U), have won three straight contests, to halt a modest two-game skid, beating Air Force 33-27 on the road in their most recent game on Oct. 4.
Both teams be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and will be well-rested after coming off Week 7 byes.
Panthers’ senior quarterback Bill Stull completed 16 of 27 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown in the win over South Florida while sophomore running back LeSean McCoy carried the ball 28 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns in Week 6, covering as 13.5-point road underdogs in the process.
“Really, I like our team right now from the standpoint that I believe everyone has their feet on the ground and we know the importance of this Navy game,” said head coach Dave Wannstedt, now in his fourth season at Pitt.
Navy senior quarterback completed just 1 pass in two attempts in Navy’s ground-based offensive attack but rushed for 101 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown in Navy’s win over Armed Forces rival, Air Force, despite failing to cover as 6-point road favorites as the game turned out to be a push.
Navy boasts one of the best rushing attacks in the country, ranking third in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,881 rushing yards and second with 313.5 per game.
Like Pitt, Navy is coming off a two-week layoff. Navy had also dropped four straight games to Pittsburgh before beating them 48-45 on Oct. 10 last season.
Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAF Free Picks.
The Panthers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games in October.
The Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Midshipmen are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
The Midshipmen are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a bye week.
The Under is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games on grass.
The Under is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
The Over is 4-0 in Midshipmen last 4 games in October.
The Over is 5-1 in Midshipmen last 6 games following a ATS win.
NCAAF Odds
Pittsburgh Panthers -3 -110
Navy +3 -110
Analysis: I’m surprised Pittsburgh is favored to win this game on the road against a team that looks to be just about even in talent with them this season and beat them on the road in overtime last season.
Maybe it’s me, but I say the Midshipmen win this contest and cover the spread by the skin of their collective teeth!
