LUCCIN SAYS :
Pittsburgh Panthers @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Football: United States, NCAA Football
Friday, 16th October 2009
Kickoff 19:00 (ET), (midnight London)
Venue: Piscataway, New Jersey

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A crunch game for two teams hoping to win the Big East. Rutgers have had the upper hand in recent years although Pitt have ruled this fixture historically.

Previous Matchups :

Pittsburgh 34-54 Rutgers
Rutgers 20-16 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh 10-20 Rutgers
Rutgers 37-29 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh 41-17 Rutgers

All time Pittsburgh lead the series 19-7

Pittsburgh Panthers : (5-1)

Pitt are 1 poor quarter of football away from being undefeated at this point, a second half collapse at NC State being a real blot on the season. They have been an enigma this season, at time looking excellent and serious conference title contenders.

The Main focus of the attacking game has been solid QB Bill Stull, 13TD’s versus only 3 interceptions is good stuff and a solid 67% completion percentage means the passing game is always a threat.

Freshman RB Dion Lewis looks to be a real prospect and should help as long the O line make the holes for him. Defensively Pitt are allowing far too many yards and will need to tighten up significantly if they are to continue to be a threat.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights : (4-1)

Rutgers have enjoyed great success in recent seasons, unfortunately this is a rebuilding year for the team. The 4-1 record disguises the fact that two victories have come against FCS teams, should not even be credited as a victory in my opinion.

Against “real” teams they have been thrashed by a good Cincinnati side, and unimpressive victories against a couple of mediocre teams.

The attacking side of the ball has seen little that would impress, QB has been solid if unspectacular, he has managed to avoid giving the ball away so far.

Defensively the Scarlet Knights have been good, this must be tempered by the fact that the only serious offence they have faced managed to rack up 47 points, everyone else has been held below 20.

The Betting Verdict :

Pittsburgh have the weapons to win this game, Rutgers defence will need to be at its very best to change the outcome. Only turnovers should stand between Pitt and victory.

The Pick :

Pittsburgh 35-21 Rutgers

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Over 48.5 points

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Pittsburgh -3.5