The Pittsburgh Panthers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet Saturday in college football action from BB&T Field. Pittsburgh played Louisville in their last appearance. The Panthers would go on to bag their second win of the year in upset fashion. As for Wake Forest, they’re coming off a matchup versus Virginia Tech last weekend. In that one the Demon Deacons fell to 3-3 after a 17-point loss. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Pittsburgh Panthers

The Panthers kicked off their season with a nice 45-7 blowout win over Wofford, but things quickly went downhill. The next four games were all losses as Pittsburgh fell to Cincinnati 27-21, West Virginia 17-6, North Carolina 41-24 and Virginia Tech 38-21. Panthers QB Phil Jurkovec finished with 235 yards and two scores in the loss to the Hokies. 

In last weekend’s matchup versus Louisville, the Panthers faced a 21-14 deficit going into the second half. Pittsburgh outscored the Cardinals 24-0 from there however, and posted a nice 38-21 upset victory. With Jurkovec sitting, Christian Veilleux led the charge at QB with 200 yards and two scores. C’Bo Flemister had two rush scores with 27 yards off 13 carries, and Jerrod Means added four catches for 71 yards and a TD. 

Pittsburgh Panthers Team Facts

• Pittsburgh has won four of its last five October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Pittsburgh has lost the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
• Each of Pittsburgh’s last six games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Over on the Wake Forest side, they got off to a nice 3-0 start this season. Those victories came versus Elon 37-17, Vanderbilt 36-20 and Old Dominion 27-24. The Demon Deacons hit the loss column in the next pair however, dropping to Georgia Tech 30-16 and Clemson 17-12. In the loss to the Tigers, Wake Forest’s Desmond Claiborne scored the lone TD alongside 60 rush yards off 19 carries. 

Matched up against Virginia Tech back on Saturday, the Deacons were down by a touchdown at the break and never got closer in a 30-13 loss. QB Michael Kern posted 166 yards along the way, and Justice Ellison had 11 carries for 35 yards. Taylor Morin caught seven balls to lead the receivers on 86 yards. 

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Team Facts

• Wake Forest has won each of its last eight home games in October.
• Wake Forest has covered the spread in seven of its last eight home games in October.
• Wake Forest has lost the first half in each of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Each of Wake Forest’s last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with Pittsburgh. So long as the Panthers don’t suffer the proverbial big-win hangover here, that is. Pitt had a stellar defensive effort against a very good Louisville team in their last outing, giving up just 444 total yards (350 passing) and 5-of-15 on third- and fourth-down tries with three takeaways. The offense wasn’t great statistically on the other side (288 total yards; 13 first downs) but didn’t commit any turnovers. On paper this is a much more manageable matchup for the Panthers, and if the defense plays well again the team will be in great shape. 

As for Wake Forest, their offense was pretty abysmal against the Hokies. The Deacons posted 262 total yards (227 passing), 3-of-14 on third downs and three turnovers. Wake has given up 30 points in two of the last three games, so Pittsburgh should have a few openings in this one. Should be a pretty competitive game overall, though.