There comes a time in college football futures betting when the play is to fade long-held assumptions that are consistent enough to be considered locks back in September.

Locks like, say, Clemson will win the ACC.

The Tigers have won six straight conference titles and began the season with -800 odds to pick up a seventh. Odds that simply weren’t worth touching at sportsbooks and betting sites. That was before the Tigers lost two of their first five games, including a stunning overtime upset loss at North Carolina State in Week 4.

Clemson is still the favorite in conference, its odds reduced to better than even-money at +130 on sports betting apps. We think the Tigers have some serious issues and are looking elsewhere on the college football betting board. It’s time to pull the trigger on fading what seems like an annual formality.

It’s time to bet the Pittsburgh Panthers to win the ACC with +550 odds at DraftKings. ➜

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The Case For The Panthers

Pittsburgh is 4-1 on the season having suffered a shocking upset loss of its own, a 44-41 home defeat to Western Michigan. And as Pennsylvania sports betting fans know, the Panthers also have something the Tigers don’t have. Offense. And lots of it.

Pat Narduzzi came to Pitt known for his expertise on the other side of the ball. He helped lead Michigan State to two Big Ten championship games and a Rose Bowl win as the Spartans’ defensive coordinator before the Panthers came calling.

RELATED: ACC Betting Guide & Tips For The Season

These Panthers haven’t looked like a Narduzzi team in that regard, but they’re doing unprecedented things on offense behind third-year coordinator Mark Whipple. He’s a quarterback whisperer and Pitt has a strong one in Kenny Pickett, who’s currently second in the nation with 19 touchdown passes.

Overall, Pitt has the second-best offensive numbers in the country at 554.4 yards per game. They pass for nearly 400 yards a night and have some horses on the ground as well. The Panthers have scored at least 41 points in every game and will be a nightmare for ACC defensive coordinators.

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Clemson Clash To Come

In terms of schedule, the big one is a home game against Clemson Oct. 23. It’s a great matchup for Narduzzi and Co. because this Clemson offense looks brutal so far, with just 324 yards per game and very little success to point to. The type of problems that don’t just get fixed and go away midseason.

Even with a loss to the Tigers, Pittsburgh would be in good shape for a rematch in the ACC Championship game – assuming Clemson can get there at all.

Virginia’s offense has been extremely productive and should give Pittsburgh all it can handle Nov. 20. But, again, the Panthers get them at home. And there are no remaining ranked opponents on the schedule, with road trips to Virginia Tech, Duke and Syracuse. Manageable.

Given the offensive fireworks we’ve seen so far, coupled with a friendly schedule and an elite quarterback, we think now is a great time to pull the trigger on Pittsburgh to win the ACC.

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