The Pittsburgh Panthers and the Michigan State Spartans are about to do battle at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium down in Atlanta this coming Thursday. Will the Panthers take home a win in the Peach Bowl? Or will the Spartans return to East Lansing with a bowl win to celebrate? Check out our preview below of this ACC-Big Ten showdown.
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Betting Preview for the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Michigan State Spartans Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl College Football Game on December 30, 2021
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
When: Thursday, December 30, 2021, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Pittsburgh Panthers (+2.5) vs. Michigan State Spartans (-2.5) – view all 2021 NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Pittsburgh Panthers (+2.5)
Record: 11-2 Overall / 7-1 Conference
Kenny Pickett and the Panthers won the ACC title by recording a 45-21 win in the conference’s title game over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Pickett was amazing in that game, ash e scored three total touchdowns. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Pickett has opted out of the Peach Bowl to focus on the next NFL Draft. With Pickett no longer an option under center, the Panthers are turning to junior Nick Patti to start against Michigan State. Patti has barely played this season, though. He’s only attempted a total of 14 passes, completing 12 and converting them for 140 yards with zero touchdowns and no interceptions. In any case, the Panthers’ offense will have explosive wide receiver Jordan Addison on the field. Addison has 1,479 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions this season. The Panthers also have three other players with at least 400 receiving yards. Plus, Michigan State’s defense has been leaky all season long, so there’s clearly an opportunity for Patti and company to shine in the Peach Bowl.
Pittsburgh is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in the previous contest.
Betting on the Michigan State Spartans (-2.5)
Record: 10-2 Overall / 7-2 Conference
It’s not just the Panthers who are going to miss the services of an elite talent in the Peach Bowl, as the Spartans won’t also have running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker was an absolute beast on the field back in the regular season in which he produced 1,636 rushing yards to go with 18 touchdowns on 263 carries. Needless to say, it’s going to be tough for Michigan State to cover the void left by Walker, but they can also go with a committee approach on the ground against the Panthers. Jordon Simmons can also lead the group, as he averaged 4.7 yards per carry as Walker’s main reliever. Quarterback Payton Thorne, meanwhile, is expected to get the start. On the season, Thorne has 2,886 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with nine interceptions. The Spartans have wins against the Miami Hurricanes and the College Football Playoff-bound Michigan Wolverines this season.
Michigan State is 6-1 against the spread in their last 7 Bowl games.
Writer’s Prediction
Pittsburgh wins, 28-20.
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