Just in case you're confused as to what college football bowl game the BBVA Compass Bowl is, you're not alone. As a matter of fact, prior to researching this bowl, I had to look it up myself. To set you straight, the BBVA Compass Bowl is the original Birmingham Bowl, that became the Papajohns.com Bowl. The BBVA Compass bowl takes a team from the BIG EAST and matches it with a team from the Southeast Conference. This year, the 2011 version of the BBVA Bowl has selected the University of Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) to represent the BIG EAST and the Kentucky Wildcats (6-6) to represent the SEC. The Panthers are listed as -4 spreads favorites across the offshore betting board in this one with a posted total of 52 1/2. Be sure and get the most up to the minute College Football Point Spreads for tonight's AT&T Cotton Bowl where the Tigers and Aggies collide.
Early betting trends show 53% of spreads wagers have fallen on the Wildcats while 79% of gamblers are risking Kentucky on the money line to win SU. The combined game score is expected to fall UNDER the posted total by 54% of players.
Both teams have had their own fair share of distractions leading up to today's game. Pitt fired its coach Dave Wannstedt after failing to deliver the 2010 BIG EAST Championship in a year the school was projected as favorite. Kentucky suspended its starting quarterback Mike Hartline after he was arrested on Dec. 11 for suspicion of DUI. Not to be outdown, Pitt had to fire its new coach, Michael Haywood, over domestic battery allegations. Haywood had led resurected the Miami-Ohio program from obscurity. Pitt will be coached in the bowl game by interim head coach Phil Bennett who also serves as the Panthers defensive coordinator.
Sophomore Morgan Newton will replace Hartline as starting quarterback. This is not Newton's debut, however; as he started several games last year filling in when Hartline was injured. We can also expect to see All-American all-purpose back Randall Cobb take several snaps in the Wildcat formation.
Pitt is led offensively by sophomore quarterback Tino Sunseri, who is hitting his stride after nearly completing his first year as starting quarterback. Over the past eight games he has completed 67% of his passes for 1,787 yards with 11 touchdowns against six interceptions. He improved greatly from his first four games as starter when he completed 63% of his passes for 689 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
The key to winning todays game revolves around Kentucky's Cobb. If the versatile athlete has his way, and Pitt's defense can't stop him then it could make a long day for the Panthers. If Kentucky quarterback Newton struggles, and Pitts vaunted defense is able to contain Cobb, then Pitt wins going away. The problem Kentucky faces is its defense, a unit that has struggled all year keeping the opposition out of the end zone. While Pitts coaching ranks have been unstable, at least the team is well intact. I look for the Panthers to win this game by a touchdown. BEST BET – PITT by -4.
