I’ve yet to see anyone actually predict a Pitt upset. Maybe that’s for the best. Just give the players more reason to get fired up for the game. Let that “us-versus-the world” cliche get full use.

This breakdown via ESPN.com from ScoutsInc. (subscription only), gives every facet they analyze to Utah. Essentially, they predict a blowout in the second-half:

Expect Utah to prove it belongs in this game, while also helping to prove the theory that the BCS’ automatic bowl bid system is flawed. A Panthers’ pass defense that has been among the worst in the nation will have problems slowing down Smith. Once the passing game is established, Johnson and Smith will have more room to run. Pittsburgh’s conservative offense will keep the score close in the first half, but the Panthers will eventually abandon the running game in an effort to come back and Palko isn’t capable of keeping pace with Smith.

Prediction: Utah 38, Pittsburgh 17

In the breakdown, what they say is that Pitt has not shown itself to be a fundamentally and technically sound team. That is what will catch up to them in the second half as Utah exploits their mistakes.

On the lighter side, there is the chat session with Beano Cook:

Johnny (Ann Arbor, MI): Is Wanny going to be able to bring Pitt back to prominance? Do you think he’ll unload those horrendous uni’s?

Beano Cook: I hope he gets rid of the uniforms .. if he can recruit, they will be real good again. If he can’t, they will struggle. However, the feeling here is that he will do a good job in recruiting.
…
Sean_Peadar (Hoboken, NJ): Beano, what will it take to get Pitt & PSU to renew that rivalry?

Beano Cook: Remember this Sean, Auburn and Alabama didn’t play for about 35 years .. life goes on. If Penn St. doesn’t want to play, so be it. It’s up to them. It’s childish of Penn St. not to play but it is their choice.

He also suggests that Syracuse hire Tom Bradley from Penn St., but also writes off the ‘Cuse as ever being major players in college football again. I will however back Beano completely on junking the present Pitt unis.