Big East play starts for Pittsburgh and Louisville

It’s a short week for both teams as they open the Big East campaign for 2009. The strain is a little greater for Pittsburgh (3-1, 2-1 ATS), having to play consecutive road games, after visiting N.C. State last week and blowing 31-17 lead, conceding three unanswered touchdowns in 38-31 defeat. The Panthers are one of the favorites to win the conference and they have shown why, sort of. They had one of better run defenses in the country anchored by Greg Romeus, until they crumbled against the Wolfpack in allowing 208 yards. They had no answer for N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like Louisville as anyone under center that resembles him.

Offensively, Pittsburgh does something better each week and quarterback Bill Stull is arriving as a passer, which really keeps this run-oriented team balanced. First year starter Dion Lewis has helped Pitt ring up 5.1 yards per carry. The Panthers are afflicted 8-21 ATS in road games after being outgained by 125 or more total yards in last game.

It’s another slow start for Louisville (1-1 ATS) after losing at Utah 30-14, giving them a 1-2 record. The Cardinals are predicted to finish at or near the bottom in the Big East race, but could change points of view with a home win over Pittsburgh.

As opposed to last year’s downcast 0-5 finish, Louisville has signs they might be better than anticipated. Quarterback Justin Burke has looked poised on the road and put up decent numbers and wide receiver Trent Guy is playmaker. Victor Anderson is dependable running back, though his lack of size has hurt the Cards on third and short situations. The defense has played in spurts, but hasn’t made big stops. In the last two games, Cardinals have flown the coup in yielding 191 yards per game on the ground. Under embattled coach Steve Kragthorpe, the ‘Ville is 4-10 SU and ATS in league play.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Pittsburgh as 6.5-point favorites with a steady total of 53.5. The Panthers have to take advantage of so-so Louisville offensive line and collapse the pocket to prevent secondary from being exposed. Pitt has covered their last four after relinquishing 280 or more yards. On offense, keep pounding away at the Cardinals defense with the run and see how they hold up.

The Cardinals are 4-8 against the spread when not playing on Saturday’s and will need supreme effort and no mistakes to pull off the upset. Burke must be intelligent decision-maker and not throw bad passes. If Burke can receive pass protection, Buffalo and N.C. State have combined for 755 passing yards against Cats secondary. For Louisville defense, add to Pittsburgh’s FBS total of most sacks allowed. The Cardinals are 9-3 ATS after scoring 20 or fewer points.

Last season, Pittsburgh leveled Louisville 41-7 as six-point favorites, ending seven game losing streak to them. They are 3-5 ATS in last eight meetings. ESPN2 has the coverage at 8 Eastern and the visitor is 6-2 ATS.