Pitt vs. Virginia Tech Recap: Pitt Wins Outright, Brown Goes for 147

Pitt won 35-33 at Virginia Tech after falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter. The Hokies led 24-14 in the second quarter before Pitt scored 21 straight points, capped by a 29-yard Cataurus Hicks touchdown catch early in the fourth. Virginia Tech cut it to two with a safety and a touchdown, but that was the last score of the night. Two DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

ALT: Pittsburgh +9.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED - Our read: Money had pushed Virginia Tech from -205 to -130, moving toward Pitt. Pitt came in allowing 8.5 points a game, 3rd nationally, with a quarterback who had 13 touchdown passes. The alt added seven points of cushion over the main number. - What happened: Pitt won outright by 2, clearing the alt by 11.5. The defense gave up 499 yards, but Pitt won the turnover battle 4-0: two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. - Worth watching: Line movement toward an underdog is worth noting. Pairing it with extra points gave this play room on a night when Pitt's defense bent far more than usual.

Que'Sean Brown 5+ receptions (-198 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Four Virginia Tech receivers were questionable (Takye Heath, Snook Peterkin, L.J. Booker and Luke Stuewe), which pointed targets toward Brown. FanDuel's main line was 5.5 catches. - What happened: Brown caught 7 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown, 2.5 over the line. He scored on a 38-yard catch on Virginia Tech's first drive and had a long of 51. - Worth watching: When a receiver room is banged up, the healthy top option soaks up volume. Brown's role should stay large as long as those receivers are limited.

How the game played out

Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 434 yards on 30-of-41 passing with 3 touchdowns, but he also threw 2 interceptions and lost a fumble. Virginia Tech ran 32 times for just 65 yards. Pitt was more efficient than explosive: 295 total yards, no turnovers, and touchdown runs from Ja'Kyrian Turner, La'Vell Wright and Damon Ferguson Jr. Hicks caught both of Pitt's touchdown passes.

Trends to watch

• Grunkemeyer attempted 41 passes and Virginia Tech gained 434 of its 499 yards through the air. With the run game stalled, its passing volume is the angle to watch.
• Brown leads that passing game. Ayden Greene (88 yards) and Davion Brown (42 yards and a score) also got involved.
• Pitt finished without a turnover. A clean, ball-secure team can stay close even when it gets outgained by 204 yards.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. Learn more about alt lines, line movement and player props, or visit the college football hub.