Betting Preview
- Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Location: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
- TV: ESPN
- Odds/Point Spread: Panthers (-1)
- Total/Over-Under: 47
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook (USA), Bodog Sportsbook (Canada, LATAM)
The Boston College Eagles, currently boasting a 6-4 record, encountered a challenging bout in their recent clash with the Virginia Tech Hokies, resulting in a 48-22 loss. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos connected on 10 of 20 passes for 110 yards and 1 touchdown but faced challenges with 2 interceptions. On the ground, Alex Broome emerged as the leading rusher with 56 yards on 9 attempts, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The Eagles compiled 262 yards on 56 plays, utilizing their rushing game with 29 attempts for a total of 124 yards. However, their defense struggled, conceding 363 rushing yards on 51 attempts, equating to an average of 7.1 yards per rush allowed. In the passing game, Boston College gave up 237 yards on 14 completions out of 21 attempts, resulting in a completion rate of 66.7%.
Offensively, the Eagles maintain an average of 26.4 points per game, showcasing their prowess with an average of 202.5 rushing yards per game, securing them the 13th position in Division 1 rankings. Boston College has accumulated a total of 3,973 yards this season, demonstrating a balanced attack with 13 touchdowns through the air and an impressive 20 rushing touchdowns. The team has earned 224 first downs but has grappled with 68 penalties, accumulating 592 yards in the process. Turnovers have been a concern, with the Eagles relinquishing possession 14 times.
Shifting focus to their defensive performance, Boston College has shown strength against the pass, conceding 1,872 yards, ranking them 19th nationally. They allow an average of 187.2 yards per game through the air and boast a respectable completion percentage against at 58.7%. However, their overall defensive ranking sits at 69th, allowing an average of 376.0 yards per game. The Eagles have surrendered 15 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns, facing an average of 5.3 yards per run and 188.8 rushing yards per game.
Transitioning to the Panthers, who enter the upcoming matchup with a 2-8 record, their last outing resulted in a 28-13 defeat against the Syracuse Orange. Quarterback Christian Veilleux threw for 161 yards and 1 touchdown but struggled with 1 interception. Running back Rodney Hammond Jr. carried the ball 12 times for 43 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. The Panthers compiled 269 yards on 49 plays, with an average of 5.5 yards per play. On the defensive front, they allowed 392 rushing yards on 65 attempts.
Pittsburgh’s offensive performance places them 116th in Division 1, averaging 19.9 points per game. They accumulate 310.3 yards per contest, ranking 119th nationally. The Panthers have faced challenges with penalties, conceding 658 yards on 81 violations, placing them 7th in the nation for yielding free yards. With 11 interceptions and 9 fumbles, Pittsburgh’s offense has encountered setbacks, resulting in 158 first downs. Through the air, they’ve amassed 2,120 yards and maintain an average of 212.0 passing yards per game, ranking 84th in Division 1. In the rushing game, they average 98.3 yards, having rushed for a total of 983 yards this season.
Defensively, the Panthers concede an average of 28.2 points per game, ranking them 88th in Division 1. They have given up a total of 1,579 rushing yards, averaging 157.9 yards per game, accompanied by 19 rushing touchdowns. Against the pass, Pittsburgh has allowed 211.8 yards per game and 13 passing touchdowns, positioning them 43rd in the nation. With 674 plays on the defensive end, they’ve secured 6 fumbles and 7 interceptions thus far in the season.
That said, our experts are taking the Panthers to cover the spread.
The Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers -1
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook (USA), Bodog Sportsbook (Canada, LATAM)