Pitt vs. Cincinnati: Predictions, odds and how to watch Saturday

Week 2 of college football is heating up with an exciting matchup on Saturday between Pitt and Cincinnati. Both teams, riding high after Week 1 wins, are set to clash in a must-see showdown that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

In Pitt's season opener, freshman quarterback Eli Holstein left the audience in awe with his outstanding performance. He threw for an impressive 336 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-24 victory over Kent State in Week 1. Another player who shone brightly in the game was Western Carolina running back transfer Desmond Reid,. Reid's contribution of 231 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, including a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, was nothing short of spectacular.

On the other hand, Cincinnati secured a 38-20 victory against the Towson Tigers in their season opener. Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby completed 22 of 31 attempts, throwing for 383 yards and two touchdowns.

Here is everything to know for the Pitt-Cincinnati showdown on Saturday.

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College football 2024: Pitt vs. Cincinnati predictions

ESPN: Pitt has a 57% chance to win

According to ESPN's Matchup predictor, the Pitt Panthers have a 57% chance to beat the Cincinnati Bear in week 2.

Winners and Whiners: Take Pitt

Mark Ruelle writes: "Pittsburgh's passing attack was a revelation in game one against Kent State. While this is certainly a bump in competition, the Panthers should be able to move the ball through the air against a Bearcats' defense that finished just 100th in the country last year against the pass. The Bearcats' offense will want to run the ball again and Pittsburgh has to feel good about their run defense that held Kent State under 50 yards rushing. Even more important, the Bearcats fumbled the ball five times last week. That has to be a major area of concern now as they compete against a Power Five school. Both teams should be able to move the football but I trust the Panthers more to protect the football and convert on big plays."

Pickswise: Pitt

Staff writes: "The Bearcats’ home-field advantage isn’t much of an advantage considering they went 1-3 ATS as home favorites in 2023. Outside of the addition of Sorsby under center, the team didn’t improve much over the offseason. There is also the revenge factor considering Cincinnati bested the Panthers on their home turf 27-21 last season, but the Panthers beefed up their defense with quality transfers, especially in the secondary. If Holstein plays to the level he did in Week 1, the Panthers should be favorites in this matchup. With that being said, I’m rolling with the Panthers to cover the 2.5-point spread and potentially win this one outright."

PredictEm: Take Cincinnati

Joe Jensen writes: "Getting Cincy at -2.5 points is a steal, as their offense has a huge edge over Pittsburgh heading into this one. Both defenses are below-average units, but it is the Bearcats that should be able to best take advantage of this mismatch. My pick is to take Cincinnati at -2.5 to cover."

College football 2024: Pitt vs. Cincinnati odds, lines:

The Cincinnati Bearcats are favorites to defeat Pitt Panthers, according to the BetMGM college football odds.

Odds as of Thursday morning

• Spread: Cincinnati (-1.5)

• Moneylines: Cincinnati (-130)

• Over/under: 62.5

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How to watch Pitt vs. Cincinnati:

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 7

• Where: Nippert Stadium (Cincinnati)

• Time: Noon ET

• TV: ESPN2

• Stream: Fubo (free trial) | Sling TV | ESPN+

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pitt vs. Cincinnati: Predictions and odds