\nCollege Football Betting Odds: Cincinnati -1 \u00bd<\/strong><\/p>\n
They call the first Saturday in December \u201cChampionship Saturday,\u201d in college football circles. And although the Big East doesn\u2019t have an official championship game, they\u2019ll have a de-facto one Saturday, when the Pittsburgh Panthers host the Cincinnati Bearcats at Heinz Field.<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST NCAA FOOTBALL WEEK 14 GAMBLING PICKS!! —–><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The Bearcats are undefeated, and although it would take basically a miracle, still have an outside shot at playing for a National Championship. They feature one of the most explosive offenses in college football, one that is currently ranked No. 6 in scoring offense and passing offense, and No. 4 in total offense. Tony Pike leads the attack for the Bearcats, and don\u2019t be fooled by his pedestrian numbers, Pike missed several games in the middle of this season. He\u2019s been back playing phenomenally of late however, as he threw a staggering six touchdowns last weekend against Illinois. His top receiver is Mardy Gilyard, whose 75 catches ranks 21st in college football, and his 1032 receiving yards 18th.<\/p>\n Here are some NCAA betting trends which may impact this game:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cincinnati: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games Pittsburgh: 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games Defensively, the Bearcats have played well this year, but have struggled as of late. In two of their last three games they\u2019ve given up 35 points or more, but have found ways to win. Their run defense is currently ranked 49th in college football and could give them problems, if they can\u2019t contain Pitt Saturday. As for the Pitt Panthers, they are coming off a tough loss to rival West Virginia last Friday, and will now need to win the conference to get the Big East\u2019s automatic BCS berth. On offense, the Panthers have a powerful running game, ranked 32nd in college football. It is led by true freshman superstar Dion Lewis, who has rushed for 1446 yards on the year. He has gone for at least 100 in each of the Panthers last six games. Senior quarterback Bill Stull has been impressive as well this year, as he\u2019s thrown for 19 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Unfortunately, two of them came in the loss against West Virginia last weekend.<\/p>\n What will be most interesting paradox in this game is how both teams run successful offenses, but so in completely different ways. Cincinnati wants to get the ball and go, doesn\u2019t worry about time of possession or clock management, as long as they get points. Pittsburgh however likes to use its power running game, and the short and intermediate passing game to control the clock.<\/p>\n The biggest key in this game will be a Pittsburgh defensive line that is as underrated as any in college football. Two weeks ago against Notre Dame they were able to get pressure on quarterback Jimmy Clausen and he was never comfortable. If they can do the same Saturday, they should win.<\/p>\n While Cincinnati is the more talented group, something is making me lean towards the Panthers. Mostly it\u2019s that their offense is the kind that gives Cincinnati fits. The best way to beat the Bearcats is to keep their offense off the field, which is exactly what is going to happen Saturday. With Pittsburgh slowing down the game, and limiting Cincinnati\u2019s scoring opportunities, the game will be lower scoring than most expect.<\/p>\n Because of it, I like the Panthers to cover this weekend\u2019s odds, as well as win the game straight up.<\/p>\n
\nCincinnati: 5-0 SU in their last 5 road games
\nCincinnati: The total has gone OVER in 6 of their last 9 road games<\/p>\n
\nPittsburgh: 5-0 SU in their last 5 home games
\nPittsburgh: The total has gone UNDER in 6 of their last 7 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/football\/sportsbook_NCAAGOTW1_300x600_mybanner1.gif\")
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