The Pittsburgh Panthers and Virginia Tech Hokies meet Saturday in week 5 college football action at Lane Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Panthers need a win to snap a 3-game losing streak. Pittsburgh has split its last 6 road games. Phil Jurkovec is completing 51.1 percent of his passes for 583 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Gavin Bartholomew and Konata Mumpfield have combined for 399 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Daejon Reynolds has 7 receptions. The Pittsburgh Panthers ground game is averaging 135 yards per contest, and Rodney Hammond Jr. leads the way with 178 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Pittsburgh is allowing 23 points and 270.3 yards per game. Donovan McMillon leads the Pittsburgh Panthers with 32 tackles, Samuel Okunlola has 2 sacks and Marquis Williams has 1 interception.

Pittsburgh Panthers Team Facts

• Pittsburgh has won 10 of its last 12 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Pittsburgh has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games against Virginia Tech.
• Pittsburgh has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Pittsburgh has won the first half in 12 of its last 14 games against conference opponents.
• Each of Pittsburgh’s last 10 games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview 

The Virginia Tech Hokies need a win to snap a 3-game losing streak. Virginia Tech has lost 4 of its last 5 home games. Grant Wells is completing 53.2 percent of his passes for 494 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Stephen Gosnell and Da’Quan Felton have combined for 260 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Da’Quan Wright has 11 receptions. The Virginia Tech Hokies ground game is averaging 108.5 yards per contest, and Bhayshul Tuten leads the way with 192 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Virginia Tech is allowing 25 points and 357 yards per game. Keli Lawson leads the Virginia Tech Hokies with 41 tackles, Antwaun Powell-Ryland has 2 sacks and Dorian Strong has 1 interception.

Virginia Tech Hokies Team Facts

• Virginia Tech has lost each of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Virginia Tech has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Virginia Tech has lost the first half in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Seven of Virginia Tech’s last eight home games in September have gone UNDER the total points line.

Randy’s Pick

There used to be a time Virginia Tech was worth a strong look as home dogs, as Lane Stadium usually is a tough place to play. However, the Hokies have lost 4 of their last 5 home games. Also, Virginia Tech cant run the ball or stop the run. The Hokies have lost their way. Say what you want about the Pitt Panthers, but they still compete defensively, and that includes being 11th in pass defense and 12th in total defense. Pitt has also had a tougher schedule with games against Cincinnati, West Virginia and UNC. This is a more winnable spot. I’ll lay the points with the road favorite.