Now I’m nervous. Both the Associated Press and (more importantly) FOXSports.com/The Sporting News have picked Pitt to upset Miami outright tomorrow night. FoxSports/TSN had this to say about the game…
Why Miami might win: Miami has sputtered and coughed on offense, but when it comes to the really, really big games, the defense finds a way to come through with a win. It held tough against Syracuse when it had to and turned in a great performance against Florida State. Pittsburgh’s attack is solid with the Big East’s top ranked offense, but the Cane defense thrives on the national spotlight and the pressure. Even though the Canes are favored, most of the pressure is on Pittsburgh at home.
Why Pittsburgh might win: It’s not just that Miami’s quarterbacks stink, it’s that the quarterbacks aren’t doing anything. Brock Berlin has completed 6 of 15 passes for 86 yards, but threw two scores in his last two games. Derrick Crudup has been even worse completing 6 of 16 passes for 87 yards with a touchdown and a score. If the Panthers can somehow D up against the run, Berlin and Crudup shouldn’t be able to beat them.
Who to watch: It’s all about Larry. Every team keys on Fitzgerald, but no one has the talent in the pass defense to stop him like Miami does. Fitzgerald has ten 100+ yard days in his 11 games this year with 21 scores, but this will be his biggest test yet. On the flip side, the Cane defensive backs can make bigger names for themselves if they take away No. 1.
What will happen: Miami will keep Fitzgerald in check, but TE Kris Wilson and RB Brandon Miree will pick up the slack just enough to get past the down Canes.
Line: Miami -3.5
Must See Rating: (5 must see – 1 The Cat in the Hat) … 5
Fearless Prediction: Pittsburgh 20 … Miami 16
Really, the reason they think that Pitt will win isn’t all that far from the reasons I gave for Pitt at least staying within the spread.
FOXSports/TSN’s Fearless Predictions (once again, apparently somebody else has trademarked “Fearless Forecasts”) have been pretty solid so far this season. Hail to their staying that way.
