Categories
NCAA Football

USF vs. Pitt Week 5 ESPN Gambling Preview & Pick

On Thursday September 29th, 2011 its the Week 5 South Florida Bulls vs. Pittsburgh Panthers matchup. Odds currently have the Bulls listed as 3-point favorites, the game’s total has been posted at 52.5. Here is a betting preview and matchup handicapping tips…

Big East NCAA Football Previews – No.16 South Florida Bulls vs Pittsburgh Panthers

The South Florida Bulls head north to Heinz Field for a Thursday night clash with the Pittsburgh Panthers in a crucial Big East showdown. The game is slated to get underway at 8 p.m. and it will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Date/Time: Thursday, Sept.29   8 p.m. (ET)
Venue: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Broadcast: ESPN
Bulls at Panthers lines by BetOnline.com
Point spread: Bulls -3
Over/Under: 52.5

Click here for the ATS Gambling Report for this game!

South Florida completed the non-conference portion of its schedule a perfect 4-0 with a 52-24 romp over Texas El Paso this past Saturday. Despite the lopsided score, the Bulls could not cover the spread as a 30-point home favorite, but the total easily went ‘over’ the 50.5-point line. This dropped them to 3-1 against the spread on the year.

This team features one of the most balanced offenses in Division-IA with a passing game that is averaging 294.8 yards a game to go along with a rushing attack that is pounding out an average of 228.5 yards a game. South Florida is ranked 10th in the nation in scoring with an average of 45.5 points a game.

Pittsburgh’s 15-12 loss to Notre Dame as a seven-point home underdog this past Saturday was its second straight setback after falling to Iowa 31-27 as a three-point road underdog two weeks ago. The Panthers are now 2-2 SU (1-3 ATS) on the year with the total going ‘over’ in two of their last three games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Consistency has been an issue for Pittsburgh’s offense in the early going. Quarterback Tino Sunseri has completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 823 yards, but he has as many interceptions as touchdowns (four). Running back Ray Graham has 508 yards on 100 carries so far, but the Panthers are ranked 61st in the country in rushing with an average of 148.8 yards a game.

The Bulls have lost the last three games in this series both SU and ATS and the total has stayed ‘under’ in two of the last three meetings. Last year, Pitt grinded out a  17-10 victory as a three-point road favorite with the total staying well ‘under’ the 47-point total.

This year expect a much higher scoring game as the Bulls’ offense should be able to put some points on the board against a Panthers’ defense that is ranked 50th in points allowed. Stick with South Florida to grab the early lead in the conference with a big win on the road.

Betting Trends:

PITT are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 conference games.

The Pick: South Florida 33 vs.   Pittsburgh 28

The 2011 CFB Season is finally here. Welcome to the CappersPicks.com college football weekly predictions pages! We KNOW you will find our FREE weekly college football picks, tips, betting advice, strategies, CFB gambling articles and more to help you become the best College football bettor on your block!!

CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS ALL SEASON LONG —–>

By Dave Schwab

David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.