I’ve stated on many occasions I don’t gamble, despite my interest in betting lines. Pitt is getting a point in the game tomorrow against Rutgers. The thing that caught me off guard is the over/under is 48 to 48.5. Apparently others betting folk are curious about that.
“Oddsmakers most likely believe that the public will look at the history here, and overlook the fact that Pittsburgh stinks,” says Covers Expert Shawn Torrey. “Trend players will eat this stuff up, and don’t forget that very few people like to bet unders.
“Even with the last two meetings between these clubs sailing over the total, it is hard to figure where this number comes from.”
Of course, Covers, um seems to be hedging on the whole thing.
The Scarlet Knights haven’t covered a spread this season, largely because their defense has a minor problem: they can’t tackle.
“It’s just bad habits that return,” sophomore safety Ron Girault said. “You’re taught from when you’re little to tackle with your head, but the natural reaction is to turn away at the last minute. We also need be in better position and wrap up the runner.”
Wait a minute. They’re having trouble tackling? That’s like a hockey team admitting they’re having trouble skating.
A game against Illinois in the season opener was the only serious competition Rutgers has seen so far. Defenders flailed and floundered against shifty ball carriers in the open field, allowing Illinois to run for more than 200 yards in a close loss. Even though opponents have only scored 14 points a game, the Knights defense is ranked 82nd among Division I teams because of the 410 yards they’ve allowed on average.
So it seems the door is open for Pitt to put their ugly start behind them and build on the 41-0 whooping they put on Youngstown State last weekend.
“Rutgers defense is just what they need to get healthy on offense,” says Covers Expert Tony George. “With the current line, it is a slight advantage to take the team that has more speed and depth, and who has played on the road against stiff opponents.”
Ultimately, they give a slight edge to Pitt.
Here’s the AP story on the continuing Wannstedt-Schiano are friends storyline.
Pat Forde at ESPN.com puts Coach Wannstedt at the bottom of the rankings for new coaches thus far.
13. Dave Wannstedt (36): The good news for Miles, Harris, Orgeron and every other coach off to a rocky start: at least they’re not as bad off as Wanny. Maybe beating up on I-AA Youngstown State and heading into a weak Big East will purge Pitt’s pathetic 0-3 start. If not, some productive early recruiting will be the only positive for Wannstedt to cling to heading into 2006.
Anyone with a counter argument?
Courtesy of Big East Basketball Blog, this article that includes a list of what each BE team spent from their athletics department in 2004.
Total athletic expenses for Big East programs from the 2004 season, the last for which complete data is available. Figures are dollars reported spent on athletics on the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act forms, which universities are required to file annually with the U.S. Department of Education. Athletic revenue for each school might be lower or higher than the amount spent.
1. Notre Dame $43,119,402 2. Connecticut $36,337,819 3. Louisville $35,170,247 4. West Virginia $34,454,851 5. Syracuse $34,307,017 6. Pittsburgh $31,769,592 7. Rutgers $31,940,493 8. St. John’s $24,072,910 9. Cincinnati $22,908,842 10. South Florida $18,566,177 11. Georgetown $17,705,058 12. Villanova $17,007,533 13. Seton Hall $15,260,330 14. Marquette $15,157,774 15. Providence $14,010,397 16. DePaul $13,497,690.
Final nugget that I present strictly for informational purposes. Courtesy of John Cole, blogger and WVU Communications Prof. West Virginia ranks #1 in the number of strip clubs versus population. It helps that the population of WV is only around 1.81 million. The article says nothing about overall quality. That is unless you go for meth whores.
