Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Odds, College Football Pick

The Pittsburgh Panthers are 3-1 both straight up and against the spread in their four meetings with Virginia Tech since the teams renewed their rivalry back in 2012. In a big game in the ACC's Coastal Division, Pitt hosts the Hokies on Thursday night at Heinz Field.

Point spread: The Hokies opened as four-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 37.0-28.3, Hokies (College football picks on every game)

Why Virginia Tech can cover the spread

Virginia Tech bounced back from an embarrassing upset at Syracuse two weeks ago to beat Miami last Thursday 37-16. The Hokies took a 3-0 lead five minutes in and never trailed, later sealing the victory and the cover as five-point home favorites by scoring the last 14 points of the game, including six on a halfback-option touchdown pass.

On the evening, Virginia Tech outgained the Hurricanes 523-365 and outrushed them 251-42. Meanwhile, the Hokies defense, which has now held five of seven opponents this season to 17 or fewer points, recorded eight sacks.

At 3-1 in ACC play, Tech trails Coastal Division-leading North Carolina by a half-game but owns the tiebreaker with the Tar Heels, thanks to a 34-3 victory in Chapel Hill three weeks ago.

Why Pittsburgh can cover the spread

The Panthers are proud owners of a three-game winning streak following a 45-31 victory over Virginia two weeks ago. They then took last week off.

Pitt traded touchdowns with the Cavaliers to a 28-28 tie, but it took the lead for good when cornerback Jordan Whitehead took an interception back 59 yards for a score just four seconds before halftime. The Panthers then held Virginia to just a field goal in the second half, securing the win and the cover as four-point favorites on the road.

Pitt outrushed the Cavs 209-86 and won time of possession by a 36:14-23:46 split. It also got a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Quadree Henderson, his second of the season and the third of his young career.

At 2-1 in ACC play, the Panthers trail Virginia Tech by a half-game and North Carolina by just a game.

Smart pick

Pitt has beaten Virginia Tech the last two seasons. Also, the Panthers should be fresh after a well-timed bye week, while the Hokies are coming off a big effort last week against Miami. The smart play in this spot is Pitt plus the points on the college football lines.

Betting trends

Virginia Tech is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games against Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games against its conference.

The total has gone under in 19 of Virginia Tech's last 23 games on Thursday.

All college football betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.