Thoughts on Pitt vs Utah??

**MasterP10** · 08-30-10, 01:24 PM

It will be a good one. Maybe not much value on either side but at +3.5 I took the Panthers.

Pittsburgh will travel to Utah in a nationally televised game thursday. ( Good reason to back the dog?)
A new Qb is never a good sign and Sunseri does lack experience. The panthers will also have to replace a couple offensive linemen but the good news is plenty and why not start with heisman candidate Dion Lewis. Last yr he rushed for 1,799 yrds, had 17 tds setting records for freshman and was elected big east offensive player of the year. Watch wideouts Jonathan Baldwin (reminds of Az Larry Fitzgerald) and Mike Shanahan. On the defensive side of the ball Greg Romeus (11.5 tackles for loss,5 sacks) and Jabal Sheard (10.5 tacles for loss, 5 sacks) the unit shouldn't take a backwards step. The same can't be said about the Utes as they lost 6 players to the NFL in april including 4 from the defense. I see Lewis having a field day. Enough said.

**Uncle Harv** · 08-30-10, 01:39 PM

Love Pitt at +3 or better. Anything less than that, and that ridiculous home winning streak for Utah could bite ya. Should be a good opening game.

**RPP** · 08-30-10, 02:06 PM

Both teams have been solid in the past, but Pittsburgh was clearly the better team in 2009. Thing is, that was 2009 and this is 2010. With Pitt having arguably the best RB in the FBS I'll lean towards them, but I certainly don't feel strong about it.

**MasterP10** · 08-30-10, 02:47 PM

Also note, according to the Sagarin ratings Pitt had a more difficult schedule last yr.

**kalamity85** · 08-30-10, 02:56 PM

i like pitt in this one. the defensive line starters they return are really good and, like everyone knows, the RB is awesome too

**GeorgiaDawgs3** · 08-30-10, 03:06 PM

Agreed. Wish I would have got it at 3 but I'll take the points. Should be a close game. Taking a new QB on the road is scary but having Lewis makes me feel much better. The ends should keep pressure on the Utah QB all night.

Of course betting on Wannstedt in a big game is gambling suicide.

**MasterP10** · 08-30-10, 03:24 PM

lol don't you just love it!

On a serious note: Wannstedt has loaded this team with defensive talent. May even be better then last yr.

**Darkside Magick** · 08-30-10, 11:38 PM

it is a no play for me, but take pitt+3 if you taking this game!!

**terpkeg** · 08-31-10, 12:16 AM

I think the home field advantage is more important than people are giving credit for. Especially in the first game of the year when nerves may be higher.

**ackem19** · 08-31-10, 12:18 AM

Here is a list of the positions that each team lost it's previous starters at:
Pitt:
LG, C, RG
DT, NT,
Both CB's
MLB

Utah:
OT
WR
DE
FS
All LB's
CB

**THEGREAT30** · 08-31-10, 12:42 AM

don't lose all your money guessing on these games because there is nothing to cap from

**LLXC** · 08-31-10, 01:06 AM

I'm on Utah. GL

**Donkwin47** · 08-31-10, 02:18 AM

Don't like seeing so many on Pitt, especially as a top 15 team getting points from an unranked, but SP3434 is on em big and that's all that matters to me. GO PITT!

**MendozaLine** · 08-31-10, 02:23 AM

I've been saying it for months. Utah will win this game by 10 points or more. This is my biggest play of week 1

**tbill11** · 08-31-10, 02:53 AM

I think this one has to be a no-play. Pittsburgh is the play talent wise, but they have a coach that will not allow them to cover...ever. There are better lines out there for a Thursday night play

**teaserpleaser** · 08-31-10, 08:29 AM

No play... but if i had to pick a side it would be Utah

**aman86** · 08-31-10, 08:36 AM

Yea Pitt coach is a retard too Many of them in college it seems don't know how they get head jobs

**GeorgiaDawgs3** · 08-31-10, 08:37 AM

Pitt:
LG, C, RG
DT, NT,
Both CB's
MLB

Utah:
OT
WR
DE
FS
All LB's
CB

I was gonna say I like the fact that Utah has to replace all 3 LB. But Pittsburg is replacing all 3 middle OL. Shat. I still think Lewis is gonna have a field day, keep the ball away from Utah and control the clock.

Of course I've been wrong before.

And what are the better lines for thurs night??

**BigdaddyQH** · 08-31-10, 08:38 AM

This is a no play for me, but gun to head, I take Utah and give the 2.5. If Pitt can not throw the ball, Utah loads the box and Lewis is stopped. Pitt must replace 3 starters on the OL and their TE. Utah has the talent edge on offense, but must rebuild the LB corps and secondary. The difference in this game. Whittingham can outcoach Wanny in his sleep. This should be a good game.

**kaktuskaz** · 08-31-10, 09:44 AM

Utah

**Jmoiz888** · 08-31-10, 09:47 AM

Im taking Pitt on this one

**MasterP10** · 08-31-10, 10:57 AM

Jabaal Sheard is out* suspended
Greg Romeus is probable-back spasms

**MasterP10** · 08-31-10, 11:02 AM

Utah also has a couple injuries:

j.j williasms-foot
Lei Talamaivao-knee

**Pushkin** · 08-31-10, 03:19 PM

Pitt

UNDER, UNDER, UNDER

**Uncle Harv** · 08-31-10, 03:27 PM

Although, the Utes havent lost at home in over 3 years. Thats not a coincidence. Leaning Utah ML.

**msec512** · 08-31-10, 04:37 PM

Dion Lewis is a stud. Pitt is expected to win the Big East. I'm leaning towards Pitt in this one.

**ji03** · 08-31-10, 04:41 PM

If you can get Pitt at +3 I like Pitt here.

**Serbone** · 08-31-10, 05:46 PM

Utah -3.
Utah is a quality, somewhat more experienced club.
Utah has bigger home field advantage than usual, Pitt is travelling to god-knows-where, not familiar with surroundings, this really matters, espcially opening night + 1,000 miles + time zones + TV night game.
It is a much bigger game for Utah... they always want to prove themselves outside the conference. The "no respect" thing.
New Pitt QB a big question mark, they lost a lot with Stull graduating... they will try to run the ball with great RB Lewis, but will be one dimensional until forced to throw, Utah will be ready.
Utah spread offense might be too much for Pitt to handle opening game.
Utah has a very good veteran OL.
Altitude could get to Pitt.
Public betting is attracted to Pitt (minor factor).
And there is the Wannstedt factor... he is a knucklehead, I cannot see him going this far west into night game alien environment and covering.
Small to medium play.

**MasterP10** · 08-31-10, 08:42 PM

Good right up Serbone. As of right now only 52% is on Pitt but that may change come game time.

**clarkd32** · 08-31-10, 10:01 PM

leaning to pitt and under. have to think pitt will run the ball quite a bit to control clock and crowd.

**gafl** · 08-31-10, 10:24 PM

Utah -3. Serbone summed it up. Tough opener for Pitt. Travel, late night, new QB, Great home field advantage.

**Cubs4591** · 08-31-10, 10:58 PM

I like the panthers too! +3.5