Tonight’s ESPN Thursday night college football pick takes us to Heinz Field where a pair of former Big East rivals in the Miami Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Panthers will meet up for the first time since 2003 at Heinz Field.
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Miami Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
Game Date/Time: Thursday, September 23rd, 7:30 ET
Game Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
TV/Radio Broadcast: ESPN, XM

NCAA Football Odds: Miami Hurricanes (+3.5) -110 vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (-3.5) -110: Over/Under 49.5

Neither of these clubs has gotten off to the start that fans, boosters, and their betting backers would have liked. The Canes stroll into Pittsburgh 1-1 both SU & ATS on the year, while PITT is yet to cover a spread (0-1-1 ATS) and carries that same 1-1 record. Both clubs come in off their bye weeks.

Last we saw the Hurricanes, they were beaten by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Horseshoe in a game that had some positives and negatives. On the plus side of the ledger was the play of the special teams that returned a punt and kick-off for TDs. However, the defenses inability to limit Terrelle Pryor either through the air or on the ground, and Jacory Harris’ charitable mindset that saw him throw four INTs simply prohibited the Canes to win let alone cover the points.

The most troublesome aspect of the game was the play of Harris who seems to have regressed since wowing Coral Gables his freshman year. He is yet to step up and become the superstar many thought him to be at the onset of his collegiate career. To date, he’s thrown for 442 yards at 8.19 YPC, but his 4/4 TD:INT ratio leaves cause for concern.

That said; tonight could be his coming out party against an FBS opponent considering the Pittsburgh Panthers defense ranks 94 th overall allowing 254 YPG. The absence of Pitt’s Greg Romeus also makes his job easier being able to perform without being under constant harassment.

Pittsburgh opened up the year with an OT defeat in Salt Lake City against the Utah Utes. While head coach Dave Wannstedt’s squad showed some moxie by battling back from 11 down with just under eight minutes remaining, the Panthers were the beneficiaries of some bone headed play that allowed them to sneak back into the game.

They were flat out dominated by the Utes getting outgained 405-266, but by winning the turnover battle 3-2, it allowed them to almost pull out the victory. The defense allowed Jordan Wynn to throw for nearly 300 yards, while the offense noticeably struggled to run the ball.

NCAA Football Insider Tip : The Miami Hurricanes have dominated the Panthers most recently winning six in a row and 14 of the L/15 overall meetings. PITT’s last win in the series came back in 1997 at home where they won 21-17 as 14.5-point underdogs.

This is clearly the biggest game in Jacory Harris’ career. Once thought to be the man to return the Canes to national prominence, he’s now been labeled as turnover prone and a blowup reminiscent of the one he had in Columbus just leaves fans stating, “same ol’ Jacory!”

Now matched up against what I feel to be a much lesser version of a Panthers outfit with problems on both sides of the ball, I expect to see Miami’s depth and athleticism rule the night.

With a number of teams in the ACC already falling flat on their face, the opportunity is still there for Miami to be the leader of the conference and snag that BCS Bowl bid. For that to happen, Randy Shannon’s outfit must win in tonight’s spot! I believe they rise to the occasion under the national spotlight and do just that making the Canes my college football pick for this Thursday night tussle!

My NCAA Football Predictions: Miami Hurricanes (-3.5) -110

Source: BetUS Locker Room Featured on: Handicapperspicks.com