Northwestern Wildcats vs Pittsburgh Panthers Point Spread Picks

Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi is the former defensive coordinator at Michigan State, so he can't be happy with his current team's defensive struggles, including allowing 61 points against Syracuse in the season finale even though the Panthers scored 76 themselves. Pitt's defense was torched by Syracuse QB Zack Mahoney for 440 yards and five touchdowns on 43 of 61 pass attempts. Pittsburgh is #108 in the country allowing 35.6 points per game and #97 in yards allowed (452.0 per game). Even more ominous is the fact that the Panthers are #127 in passing yards allowed (343.1 per game). James Connor has rushed for 1,060 yards, on 5.1 yards per carry, and 16 touchdowns for the Panthers. Nathan Peterman has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,602 yards, with 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Northwestern has the edge on defense at #59 in yards allowed per game (401.6) and #24 in points allowed (22.1 per game). The Wildcats have covered six of their last eight games and won, and covered, 42-21 over Illinois in the final regular season game. Justin Jackson has gained 1,300 yards on 266 carries with 12 touchdowns, and Clayton Thorson has completed 58.1 percent for 2,968 yards and 21 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Northwestern's defense is led by defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (10 sacks) and linebacker Anthony Walker (98 tackles). Pitt has gone OVER 11 games in a row, even though the posted total keeps getting higher. The Wildcats have motivation to atone for their embarrassing 45-6 loss in last year's Bowl game against Tennessee. Play Northwestern and the OVER.