LUCCIN SAYS :
#23 Pittsburgh Panthers (8-3)
@ Connecticut Huskies (7-4)

Date : Saturday 6th December 2008
Venue : Storrs, Connecticut

Previous Results

2007 Pittsburgh 14-34 UConn
2006 UConn 46-45 Pittsburgh
2005 Pittsburgh 24-0 UConn
2004 UConn 29-17 Pittsburgh

All time Connecticut lead 3-1

A nice matchup between two teams who love to run the ball, don't expect to see many passing plays. This one will be for the purist. With the conference title already in Cincinnati both teams are playing for pride.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Pitt came into the season with a real chance of winning the Big East, unfortunately some inconsistent performances have cost them but they are are still on target for their best season in 5 years.

This team is all about the running game and in particular future NFL'er LeSean McCoy. McCoy's numbers are impressive, over a hundred yards a game at an average of 5 yards per carry and 20 rushing touchdowns.

An adequate passing game complements the run and the team lead the Big East in offensive performance.

The defence has been generally solid although a couple of poor performances against Rutgers and Notre Dame have highlighted problems defending the pass.

Connecticut Huskies

The Huskies have had a solid season and will be pleased to be heading to a bowl game for a second straight season.

The highlight of this season was a comfortable victory over conference champions Cincinnati, although the Beearcats did turn the ball over an incredible 9 times.

UConn have a very strong defence, the 10th best in all of college football and they are giving up only 18.5 points a game. On offence they have few weapons, the passing game is non existent and the running game is all on stud RB Donald Brown. He has been held under 100 yards in a couple of recent games though.

The Verdict

Pitt look to be the better bet as long as they can contain Brown, also a win for Pitt would see them playing in the prestigious Sun Bowl but a defeat will likely see them end up in the much less prestigious papajohns.com bowl.

The line for this game is Pittsburgh +2.5. This is very surprising to me and I make Pitt a good 10 point favourite.

The Pick :

Pittsburgh 20-10 UConn

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I have three suggestions for this game:
#1 Pittsburgh (+2.5) 1.990

also consider :
Pittsburgh to win 2.200
and Total Points Under 46.5 1.952