Pitt vs. Tennessee picks and best bets for Week 2

The Volunteers and Panthers meet in a non-conference showdown in Week 2.

By Collin Sherwin@CollinSherwin Sep 11, 2021, 3:45am PDT

Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Roman Harrison rushes on defense during a college football game against the Bowling Green Falcons on Sept. 2, 2021 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Volunteers and Pittsburgh Panthers face off in Week 2 in an intriguing non-conference matchup. The Vols are coming off a 38-6 victory over Bowling Green while the Panthers demolished UMass 51-7. Both teams appear to be complete opposites of each other offensively, with Tennessee featuring a strong ground game while Pitt relies on senior quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Here’s all the data you’ll want, and a pick for the game!

SP+ Rankings

Tennessee: 43 overall, 69 offense, 22 defense
Pitt: 27 overall, 55 offense, 15 defense

Injury update

Tennessee

WR Jimmy Calloway - Probable
OL Cooper Mays - Probable
LB Byron Young - Unknown (NCAA eligibility issue)
DB Kamal Hadden - Probable
WR Ramel Keyton - Probable

Pitt

None

ATS/Total

Against The Spread

Tennessee: 3-6-1 ATS (2020), 0-1 (2021)
Pitt: 5-6 ATS (2020), 1-0 (2021)

Total

Tennessee: Over 3-7 (2020), Over 0-1 (2021)
Pitt: Over 8-3 (2020), Over 1-0 (2021)

Returning/Overall Talent from 247Sports

Tennessee: 19 overall, 19 offense, 17 defense
Pitt: 33 overall, 34 offense, 35 defense

Current lines at DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread: Pitt -3.5
Total: 55.5
Moneyline: Pitt -170, Tennessee +150

Opening line: Pitt -3
Opening total: 56.5

Weather

71 degrees, 1 MPH wind, 0% chance of rain

The Pick

Tennessee +3.5 (-110)

Both teams appear to be strong defensively, but this is the first true test of the season for each squad. Tennessee has a great ground game and should be able to control possession more easily than Pitt. Pickett is used to hostile environments, but Neyland Stadium is always on another level. With the home crowd, a decent defense and a potent run game, taking the Vols with the spread is the play.

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