Penn State at Pittsburgh

Penn State has loads of defensive talent and looked sharp in the opener, holding Kent to 13 points. The Nittany Lions showed a multitude of nickel looks with different linebacker and corner combinations. Penn State deployed a total of eight defensive backs and five linebackers, allowing just 129 yards on 14-of-28 passing. Coach James Franklin has always been known for impressive defenses, ranking #14 in the nation in yards and eighth against the pass in 2015. But the Nittany Lion offense finished #105 in the country in total yards, #105 in rushing and #101 in scoring. Penn State is 39-18 UNDER the total in September, plus 22-9 UNDER in non-conference games. They face in-state rival Pitt, a run-oriented offense behind running back James Conner. Conner is returning from a serious injury and had only 53 yards last week at 3.1 yards per carry, but the defense dominated in a 28-7 win over Villanova. Pittsburgh employs an ultra-aggressive defensive style, ranking #16 nationally and third in the ACC in sacks last season. The 'D' is the strength of the team again behind senior DE Ejuan Price, LB Matt Galambos and safety Jordan Whitehead. Price set an FBS record with five sacks against Louisville and ranked #10 nationally with 11.5. Fifteen different Panthers players were in on at least one sack. Pitt is 9-4-2 UNDER the total after allowing fewer than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Look for a fierce defensive slugfest between these area rivals with far better defenses than offenses. Take this one to finish UNDER the total.