David Payne writes for Covers Expert Ben Burns.
Miami Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Panthers (+3.5, 50)
Talent-wise, Miami wasn’t overwhelmed by Ohio State in a 36-24 loss to the Buckeyes on Sept. 11. Pitt doesn’t have Buckeye-talent.
The Hurricanes (1-1) head to Heinz Field as 3.5-point favorites over the banged-up Panthers (1-1), who will be without their best player, defensive end Greg Romeus, Thursday night.
But Miami’s talent advantage won’t matter, if the ’Canes continue to turn the ball over. Quarterback Jacory Harris threw four picks against Ohio State. Miami is ranked 118th in the nation in turnover margin. The Panthers’ defense has created four turnovers this season.
Pittsburgh sophomore quarterback Tino Sunseri has been solid, but also has thrown an interception in each of his first two starts. The offensive line hasn’t afforded him much time in the pocket, a major concern against an aggressive Miami defense.
HOW THEY ENTER
Both of these teams were picked as favorites to win their conferences. But both have suffered deflating early losses. The Panthers opened the season with a 27-24 overtime defeat on the road at what looks like a good Utah squad.
Overall, these are two similar programs trying to take the next step into national prominence. Miami has been a popular public team for decades. So, if anything, the line may be a little inflated, if you’re getting it a -3.5. The Hurricanes certainly have the talent advantage to cover the number, but can they limit their mistakes in a hostile environment? Randy Shannon’s team hasn’t proved that, yet.
THE LINE
Miami opened at -3.5. The number hadn’t move significantly as of Wednesday. Pittsburgh is on a 7-3 ATS run at home.
THE TOTAL
Bettors, likely sharp, pounced when the total opened up at 54 online. It’s all the way down to 50.5 at most books.
Miami is averaging 34.5 points per game, but scored only one offensive touchdown against Ohio State. The Hurricanes are 16th in the nation in total defense. Pittsburgh is averaging 32.5 points per game, but its offense hasn’t been consistent. The Panthers are surrendering an average of just less than 22 points per game.
Recently against ACC competition, The Panthers lost a 38-31 to North Carolina State last year and won a defensive battle, 19-7, against North Carolina in the Meinke Car Care Bowl.
Recently against the Big East, Miami went on the road and hammered South Florida 31-10 last season.
The under is 7-0 in the Hurricanes’ last seven vs. Big East and 37-16 in last 53 non-conference games. The under is 10-4 in the Panthers’ last 14 home games.
Weather isn’t expected to impact the game.
INJURY REPORT
Pittsburgh is a banged-up football team that will be without its best player in Romeus. The 2009 Big East of Defensive Player of the Year, Romeus had surgery on his back and is expected to miss the majority of the season. That leaves the Panthers with a patchwork defensive front.
In addition, starting linebacker Dan Mason has been demoted due to an off-the-field incident that caused three reserves to be suspended for Thursday’s game.
The ’Canes’ most significant injury concern is starting defensive tackle Marcus Robinson, who is questionable with an ankle injury he suffered against Ohio State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Miami has potent kick returners in Lamar Miller and Travis Benjamin. Both scored touchdowns on returns against Ohio State. The Hurricanes lead the nation in punt returns at 27.5 yards.
Pittsburgh counters with the nation’s second-best punting unit, led by punter Dan Hutchins, who is averaging 48 points per kick.
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE BATTLE
Pittsburgh entered the season with major questions on the offensive line. Those questions have yet to be answered. That’s not a good sign against a Miami defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss and is second in sacks.
Miami Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Panthers (+3.5, 50)
Talent-wise, Miami wasn’t overwhelmed by Ohio State in a 36-24 loss to the Buckeyes on Sept. 11. Pitt doesn’t have Buckeye-talent.
The Hurricanes (1-1) head to Heinz Field as 3.5-point favorites over the banged-up Panthers (1-1), who will be without their best player, defensive end Greg Romeus, Thursday night.
But Miami’s talent advantage won’t matter, if the ’Canes continue to turn the ball over. Quarterback Jacory Harris threw four picks against Ohio State. Miami is ranked 118th in the nation in turnover margin. The Panthers’ defense has created four turnovers this season.
Pittsburgh sophomore quarterback Tino Sunseri has been solid, but also has thrown an interception in each of his first two starts. The offensive line hasn’t afforded him much time in the pocket, a major concern against an aggressive Miami defense.
HOW THEY ENTER
Both of these teams were picked as favorites to win their conferences. But both have suffered deflating early losses. The Panthers opened the season with a 27-24 overtime defeat on the road at what looks like a good Utah squad.
Overall, these are two similar programs trying to take the next step into national prominence. Miami has been a popular public team for decades. So, if anything, the line may be a little inflated, if you’re getting it a -3.5. The Hurricanes certainly have the talent advantage to cover the number, but can they limit their mistakes in a hostile environment? Randy Shannon’s team hasn’t proved that, yet.
THE LINE
Miami opened at -3.5. The number hadn’t move significantly as of Wednesday. Pittsburgh is on a 7-3 ATS run at home.
THE TOTAL
Bettors, likely sharp, pounced when the total opened up at 54 online. It’s all the way down to 50.5 at most books.
Miami is averaging 34.5 points per game, but scored only one offensive touchdown against Ohio State. The Hurricanes are 16th in the nation in total defense. Pittsburgh is averaging 32.5 points per game, but its offense hasn’t been consistent. The Panthers are surrendering an average of just less than 22 points per game.
Recently against ACC competition, The Panthers lost a 38-31 to North Carolina State last year and won a defensive battle, 19-7, against North Carolina in the Meinke Car Care Bowl.
Recently against the Big East, Miami went on the road and hammered South Florida 31-10 last season.
The under is 7-0 in the Hurricanes’ last seven vs. Big East and 37-16 in last 53 non-conference games. The under is 10-4 in the Panthers’ last 14 home games.
Weather isn’t expected to impact the game.
INJURY REPORT
Pittsburgh is a banged-up football team that will be without its best player in Romeus. The 2009 Big East of Defensive Player of the Year, Romeus had surgery on his back and is expected to miss the majority of the season. That leaves the Panthers with a patchwork defensive front.
In addition, starting linebacker Dan Mason has been demoted due to an off-the-field incident that caused three reserves to be suspended for Thursday’s game.
The ’Canes’ most significant injury concern is starting defensive tackle Marcus Robinson, who is questionable with an ankle injury he suffered against Ohio State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Miami has potent kick returners in Lamar Miller and Travis Benjamin. Both scored touchdowns on returns against Ohio State. The Hurricanes lead the nation in punt returns at 27.5 yards.
Pittsburgh counters with the nation’s second-best punting unit, led by punter Dan Hutchins, who is averaging 48 points per kick.
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE BATTLE
Pittsburgh entered the season with major questions on the offensive line. Those questions have yet to be answered. That’s not a good sign against a Miami defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss and is second in sacks.
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