There's plenty of hype surrounding the Panthers as they return veteran QB Kenny Pickett and a experienced core on both sides of the ball. But in recent years, they have failed to live up to similar expectations and there appears to be value on the home team in the Johnny Majors Classic, the game honoring the coach who excelled at both programs. Josh Heupel's club struggled in his debut against Bowling Green for a bit, but this spread feels like an overreaction to that performance. Look for the Vols to limit Pitt's run game and gain an advantage by forcing a one-dimensional attack.

Both teams are coming off blowout victories of really bad teams. My simulations make the Vols just +0.9 home underdogs thanks to a significant home field advantage in Knoxville. It's been so (some never have) since some of these 18-23 year olds have played in front of capacity crowds like this. Look for Tennessee pound the ball early with Evans and Small, but don't sleep on Joe Milton who has obviously been working with Josh Heupel. The Vols defense (and crowd) will do just enough to keep this one within the number. Take the points with the home dog.

We rode the Under in Tennessee's game last week against Bowling Green and going to do the same Saturday against Pitt. In what will be a game honoring former head coach of both teams Johnny Majors, I think we see a throwback style game battled out by first downs and field position. Josh Heupel and QB Joe Milton still have some things to work out and with Pitt on the road in a loud atmosphere, I don't necessarily see offensive explosion from the Panthers either. Could be a great game, could be sloppy...but I don't see it being high scoring.