Pittsburgh/South Florida Odds, Predictions, Lines & Spread
September 30, 2008
The Panthers meet the Bulls for an early season Big East test to see where these teams stack up this season. Larry Cook and the Info Plays team give their Pittsburgh/South Florida predictions for this week’s Big East match-up on ESPN Thursday, October 2nd. All college football fans will be watching, trying to see if Dave Wannstedt’s team is for real this season, or if South Florida (5-0) can remain unbeaten. If you are a college football bettor, than you will obviously want to know which team will cover the 13.5-point spread this week. Larry Cook has your back. Purchase Larry’s 10* Panthers/Bulls ESPN Thursday Night Thriller for just $19.95 here! You are guaranteed to win with this pick or Friday’s card is on the house.
South Florida had a rollercoaster ride last season. They went from unknown to the Top-10 in the AP poll for three weeks in 2007, but managed to end the year unranked. The Bulls are hoping to stay in the polls a little bit longer this time around after starting the season with five straight wins to earn the No. 10 spot. The Bulls are looking for another win over Pittsburgh after beating the Panthers in a shootout, 48-37, on November 24th last season. South Florida moved into the Top-10 after compiling 520 yards of total offense in a 41-10 win at N.C. State last Saturday. The Bulls beat then-No. 13 Kansas 37-34 the week before, but that was surrounded by a pair of sub-par road performances against Central Florida and Florida International. Bet South Florida -13.5 at BetUs Sportsbook and get a 50% Sign-Up Bonus!
Bulls’ star quarterback Matt Grothe finished last season throwing 10 interceptions in his final six games, but he’s certain his team is better prepared to handle a high ranking in ‘08. Grothe threw for 259 yards and a score last week against the Wolf Pack, but it was the defense that led the Bulls to a win. Despite missing three starters from their front seven, including All-American George Selvie, South Florida allowed just 26 yards on the ground and picked off NC State’s QB Harrison Beck three times. Selvie is the NCAA’s active career leader in tackles for a loss and senior linebacker Brouce Mompremier is one of the best at his position in the Big East. Without these two studs, the South Florida defense didn’t seem to miss a beat last week.
Coach Jim Leavitt is hopeful that Selvie will be back against Pitt after missing last week’s game with an injured ankle. Mompremier isn’t expected to take over at linebacker after suffering a neck injury against Florida International. Selvie would be a big help to a Bulls’ defense looking to shut down Panthers’ tailback LeSean McCoy, the nation’s top freshman rusher last year. McCoy recorded seven 100-yard games in 2007, but had yet to record one this year in his first three games. But against Syracuse last week, you had to expect McCoy was going to end that streak. McCoy rushed for 149 yards on 28 carries as Pitt erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit to win 34-24 over Syracuse and improve to 1-0 in Big East play. Wager on Pittsburgh +13.5 at Sportsbook.com and get a 10% Sign-Up bonus and reduced juice on Friday’s!
Grothe led all rushers last year in the South Florida/Pitt meeting on November 24th, rushing for 67 yards and a score while completing 17-of-23 passes. McCoy only rushed for 55 yards on 18 carries, but had three touchdowns and a game-high 83 yards receiving. The Panthers will need big plays from QB Bill Stull if they are to even compete in this game. This first-year starter hasn’t made many so far, as he’s averaging a mere 5.8 yards/pass attempt. Stull has only 2 touchdown passes in four games this season. Remember, Larry Cook is here to help if you want to know which team can cover the 13.5-point spread in this Big East clash Thursday.