BleacherCoaches.com

Any opinions on the Pitt/Utes matchup on NYD?

Will Pitt cover the 16?

WT

I think Pitt may cover....Notice I did not say win, but cover....and if the Big East schools continue to flop like Syracuse did, look for the line to move upward.

Utah 40 Pitt 27

A relaxed Walt Harris and Panther squad that has nothing to lose and everything to gain plays competitively versus the Utes.

That spread is the biggest of all the bowl spreads. I'm thinking the Panthers will be playing with a major chip on their shoulder in Tempe. The question is...which Pitt team will show up? I feel the line is too high...I thought it might be something to the tune of 7 or 8. I didn't think it would be anything like it is.

How good is Utah's defense? I know they have a very good offense, but how would you rate that defense? If I bet on this one, I'd be taking Pitt and I'd probably take a long, hard look at the under.

I definitely think Pitt will cover the spread. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to see Pitt win the game. I will take Pitt by a TD.

I wish Pitt's defense was a little better, but I am also taking Pittsburgh to win this game. So Harris is not coaching, right?

Harris IS coaching..

i'll take the utes...32-21

UTES 53
PITT 26

Pitt's defense needs to bring their "A" game to keep the game close. Pitt's offense will put points on the board but the defense has to give them enough chances.

Pitt should cover. A turnover or two could go a long way to a possible victory.

BTW what is the over/under?

Prediction: Utah 42 Pitt 35

I believe that the over/under, depending on who you go by, is 67 or 68 points.

As far as my opinion of this game, I don't know if Pitt can cover the line. I know 16 points is an awful lot, but Utah can score like nobody's business. They score an average of 46 points a game, and on average, they give up 20 points per game. That really isn't bad. If one goes by yardage, it's roughly 500 on offense and 350 on defense.
Pitt scores 29 a game, and gives up 23. On average, the yardage is 366 per game for Pitt, and 389 per game for the opponent. That's pretty bad.
Furthermore, Utah is a very very balanced team. Their offense is split almost 50/50 yardage wise, with about 255 passing and 245 running. So looking at those stats, and knowing that Utah is undefeated and Pitts is 8-3 playing in the Big East (or Big Weak), I don't know how much of a chance Pitt has of covering the line, let alone winning.

Final score: Utah 49 Pitt 24