Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions: Odds, Football Betting Pick

With a win/cover to open this season, Penn State is now 10-1 straight up and a perfect 11-0 against the spread over its last 11 contests. The high-powered Lions go looking for more when they renew acquaintances with the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday afternoon in Happy Valley.

College football point spread: The Nittany Lions opened as 20-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark (line updates and matchup report).

College football betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 47.4-27.4 Nittany Lions (College football picks on every game).

Why the Pittsburgh Panthers can cover the spread

Pitt survived a scare to open this season last week, outlasting FCS power Youngstown State 28-21 in overtime. The Panthers looked great early and took a 21-0 lead into halftime, but they went cold in the second half and allowed the Penguins to tie the game. Pitt then won it with a Max Browne touchdown pass to Jester Weah in the top of the first overtime and an interception in the end zone on defense.

On the day the Panthers outrushed Youngstown State 208-107, as running back Qadree Ollison ran 22 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Browne, the transfer from USC making his first start for his new team, hit on 17 of 24 throws for 140 yards and one score.

Pitt handed Penn State one of its three losses last season, a 42-39 decision at Heinz Field. The Panthers jumped out to a 28-7 lead that day and hung on from there to win the first meeting between these in-state rivals in 16 seasons. Pitt outrushed the Lions 341-74 and won time of possession by a 35-25 margin.

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions can cover the spread

Penn State opened its season with a 52-0 romp over Akron, easily covering as a 30-point favorite. The Lions opened the scoring on DeAndre Thompkins' 61-yard punt return midway through the first quarter, took a 35-0 lead into halftime and eased home from there.

For the day, Penn State outgained the Zips 569-159. Running back Saquon Barkley accounted for 226 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, and fellow Heisman contender Trace McSorley threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another. Meanwhile, the Lions defense held Akron to just 2.5 yards per play and allowed the Zips to enter Penn State territory just once all day.

The Lions have now scored at least 35 points eight games in a row.

Smart pick

Penn State looks like a national championship contender, while Pitt just struggled to beat an FCS outfit. But the line on this game is undoubtedly inflated. Yes, the Lions are likely to win this game, but the smart money picks the Panthers, plus the points at online sports betting sites.

College football betting trends

Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against Penn State.

The total has gone over in 11 of Pittsburgh's last 13 games.

Penn State is 10-0 ATS in its last 10 games.

All college football odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.