Pittsburgh vs Tennessee Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can John Morgan III and Panthers Defense Show Up in Week 2?
Pittsburgh Panthers vs Tennessee Volunteers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Pittsburgh Defense Improve in Week 2?
The Pittsburgh Panthers will welcome the Tennessee Volunteers into Acrisure Stadium in what should be an electric game. The Panthers escaped West Virginia in Week 1 on Thursday, earning a 38-31 win in an extremely hectic and back-and-forth game. Meanwhile, Tennessee earned an easy 59-10 win over Ball State in their home opener. Anyway, there are a lot of things Pittsburgh needs to work on before kick-off on Saturday. Can the Panthers get by with their second win of the season on Saturday? Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers.
Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 10, 2022
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ABC
Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee Injury Report
Pittsburgh
Questionable: RB Rodney Hammond Jr. (Leg)
Tennessee
Out: LB William Mohan (Suspension) RB Len'Neth Whitehead (Upper Body)
Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee Line Movement
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Tennessee Volunteers Prediction
The Pittsburgh Panthers needed a Pick-6 and another defensive stand to defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers on Opening Night. The Panthers found a way to win in Week 1. That's all that matters. You just got to find a way to win games early in the season. They did that. Kedon Slovis transferred to Pittsburgh to take over for Kenny Pickett, and he didn't disappoint. Slovis threw for 308 yards on just 16 completions. He also got plenty of help from running back Rodney Hammond Jr. as he added two scores on 16 attempts. Hammond Jr. left last week's game early due to a right leg injury. He's currently listed as questionable, but I expect him to play. All of the playmakers looked good for the Panthers. However, the offensive line didn't. The offensive line allowed Slovis to get sacked five times and didn't do all that well in the game either. Against an SEC opponent, that offensive line needs to play better, or Slovis will not be able to make plays in the pocket. On the other hand, Tennessee's first game was a breeze against Ball State. Hendon Hooker has returned to Tennessee this season. He went 18-for-25 with 221 yards passing and two touchdowns. His quarterback play was much better. He didn't make mistakes with the football and was given plenty of time in the pocket from his offensive line up front. The Vols might not have the best running game. It was hard to tell after the game against Ball State. The run blocking didn't help the cause either. Jaylen Wright led the team with 13 attempts and 88 yards to go along with a touchdown. That's 6.8 yards per carry, but as a team, the Vols added just 4.3 yards per carry. If anything, Pittsburgh's rushing defense was the best portion of their defense in their last game. The coverage for the Panthers also did their job. Although Pittsburgh allowed over 400 yards against West Virginia, I'm not losing hope in that defense. The total for this game is sitting at 65. To me, that's too high. Pittsburgh lacks a capable offensive line, while Pittsburgh figures to have a good rushing defense and a secondary that could make plays. I'll take the under.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Tennessee Volunteers Pick
- Under 65 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.