College Football Betting Odds – Connecticut at Pittsburgh

Connecticut Huskies (3-1 SU, 3-0 ATS) at Pittsburgh Panthers (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS

Saturday, October 10: 3:30 p.m.
College Football Betting Odds: Pittsburgh -8 ½

Here are some of theNCAA football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

Pittsburgh : 4-1 SU in their last five games
Pittsburgh: 6-1 SU in their last seven home games

Connecticut : 4-1 SU in their last five games
Connecticut: 4-1 ATS in their last five road games

It will be the Big East opener for the UConn Huskies, as coming off a bye week they travel to the Steel City to face the Pittsburgh Panthers.

The Panthers are 4-1 in Dave Wannstedt’s fifth season at his alma mater, and are coming off a dominating victory in their Big East opener last Friday night against Louisville.

In the game, quarterback Bill Stull had one of his best performances in a Pittsburgh Panthers uniform, throwing for 242 yards and three touchdowns.

And despite struggling earlier in the season, the defense seemed improved against Louisville. On the game they gave up just 304 yards of total offense and only 10 first half points, after allowing 38 points in a loss to NC State the week before.

As for UConn, we really don’t know much about them, as it’s been awhile since they’ve faced serious competition. They had a bye last week, and had FCS visitor Rhode Island the week before.

What we do know about the Connecticut Huskies is that they always play superb defense, and this year is no different. On the season, they’re giving up just 232 yards of total offense which good for fourth in college football, while their scoring defense is ranked 18 th. What makes those numbers even more impressive is that they’ve come without All-Big East linebacker Scott Lutrus, who’s had to miss much of the season after suffering a concussion.

And while the offense struggled a bit earlier in the season, it is starting to take form. Quarterback Cody Endres has stepped in and played well in absence of starter Zach Frazer, as he’s led the team to two consecutive victories. As usual, UConn continues to run the ball well this year, as backs Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon have combined for over 700 yards of offense and eight touchdowns.

What will make Saturday’s game interesting is that these two teams’ strengths will go directly against each other, as UConn’s strong running game will battle with Pittsburgh’s impressive run defense. On the season, the Huskies average 183 yards per game on the ground, the Panthers give up just 101.

So who will have the advantage? While I expect the game to be low scoring, UConn always seems to be able to pick up the big yards on the ground. And as good as Pitt’s run defense has been in wins against Navy and Louisville, it also struggled just two weeks ago against NC State.

While I’m not willing to go out on a line and pick the Huskies to win straight up, I think they do enough to cover the 8 ½ points they’re getting at Pittsburgh.

Aaron’s Pick: UConn +8 ½