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Penn State vs. Pitt prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the rivalry renewal between the Nittany Lions and Panthers at Heinz Field.

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Penn State vs. Pitt Game Preview

The Nittany Lions and Panthers meet at Heinz Field in a much-anticipated in-state rivalry game. These teams have met 96 times in their history, but they haven’t played each other since 2000. The Nittany Lions hold the overall edge 50-42-4, but the Panthers won the last meeting. James Franklin’s group is coming off of a win over Kent State, while Pat Narzuzzi and Co. defeated Villanova in Week 1.

What To Know About Penn State

Trace McSorley helped lead a sluggish Nittany Lions offense to a 33-13 win over Kent State in the opener. He was confident in the pocket and even added 47 yards on the ground to help out electric running back Saquon Barkley, who had 105 rushing yards. The jury is still out on new coordinator Joe Moorhead’s offense, but that is understandable after just one game. We’ll see if a jump can be made from Week 1 to Week 2 against a tougher opponent.

What to Know About Pitt

The Panthers are going to need the passing game to develop quickly if they want to be considered serious contenders in the ACC Coastal. Against Villanova, quarterback Nate Peterman was often facing a crowded line of scrimmage, as the Wildcats were trying to bait him into throwing the football. Peterman had an average performance, and he will see similar looks from other defenses with Conner in the backfield. He finished 19-of-32 passing for 175 yards in the opener.

Advantages

Offense: Penn State. It’s close because Pitt has Conner, but there are more weapons on this Nittany Lions unit.

Defense: Even. Penn State is adapting to some new starters up front, but Pitt returned a lot of starters from a stingy unit.

Special Teams: Even. Both teams are in the middle of the pack of special teams efficiency ratings.

Coaching: Penn State. James Franklin won at Vanderbilt, while Pat Narduzzi seamlessly transitioned to being a head coach. Can Franklin take the next step in Happy Valley, though?

Intangibles: Even. The rivalry has been restored, so both teams will be jacked up. Does Pitt have the edge since it is being played at Heinz?

Matchup To Watch

Barkley vs. Conner

Both teams need to make plays through the air to loosen up the opposing defense, but there are questions under center for both squads. Peterman has been around awhile, but he needs a receiver to step up and become a No. 1 guy for Matt Canada’s offense.

Meanwhile, McSorley needs to be protected because he is surrounded by weapons, including Barkley. Both Barkley and Conner should make an impact against stout defenses, but the more productive back may end up being on the winning team because his performance will be crucial to the success of his quarterback.

Betting Odds

Spread: Pitt -4.5

Over/Under: 51

Penn State vs. Pitt Prediction

The Nittany Lions and the Panthers both strive to be upper-echelon teams in their respective divisions and leagues, so a win in a showcase nonconference game like this one could help catapult either team toward its conference season. I think at times it will be a bit ugly offensively, but I think a big play by Barkley and the cohesion of a Penn State offense that is still coming together will be the difference.

Penn State vs. Pitt Score Prediction: Penn State 19, Pittsburgh 17

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections