Has Rhoads learned to defend the spread?

[hilltoppanther]

On paper, Pitt should beat Toledo. They are currently favored by anywhere from 14-17 points.

The key factor will be if Paul Rhoads has learned how to defend the spread. Considering his track record, that is a big IF.

Hopefully, Pitt will not give a 10-yard cushion to the receivers. He has a first round draft choice at corner, so let him play press coverage. Make Toledo beat you down the field, not with dink and dunk.

Because I have little faith in Rhoads, I'd take Toledo and the points. Pitt wil win in a shootout.

Final Score:
Pitt 38
Toledo 31

[The Ancient Enemy]

I saw Toledo play twice and that QB is pretty questionable. Pitt'll win this one by 21.

[hilltoppanther]

Looks like Rhoads figured out Toledo's spread/screens. Not only did they not give up any big plays vs. the spread/screens, but defensive lineman Gus Mustakas intercepted one of those screens and returned it for a pick-six.

Convincing win for the Panthers today.

[The Ancient Enemy]

Penn State beat Akron, YSU, and Northwestern. Pitt beat teams just as bad as that. Time will tell for both our teams.

[El-Moldo]

What's worse than playing a D-Iaa team? Playing a team that has lost to a D-Iaa team!!! So beating YSU AND Northwestern at home is not exactly an achievement.

[The Ancient Enemy]

Pitt's off to a good start, but let's not make a fool of ourself by pretending like Virginia or Toledo are anywhere near in 06 what they were in the past. Toledo this year is probably the worst Toledo team since who knows when, and UVA is a doormat in a conference that is already watered down this year. They also got destroyed by a team who just lost to Illinois, at home. Pitt has a long ways to go. After seeing Rutgers a few times and Pitt as well, I cant see how Pitt wins that game, or the WVU or Louisville games. USF even looks "decent". UCF will give Pitt a good test, too. Even though you tried to argue w/ me once, Moldo, that morale doesnt exist, Syracuse is winning games this season, and should have beaten Iowa. Pitt has a nice little schedule left. So we'll see.