Pittsburgh Favored By 6 1/2 On The Road Against Louisville

Sports Betting News - September 30th, 2009 - Written by Scott

On Friday night, Louisville will play host to Pittsburgh as both team square off in their conference openers. In what should be a great game in the Big East, both squads are coming off losses last week. The Panthers (3-1) come into this game after a fourth-quarter defensive meltdown while losing to North Carolina State 38-31 last week. Louisville could not overcome turnovers and lost to Utah 30-14.

Offensively for the Panthers, they have looked sharp all season. They are averaging 37 points a game and are led by quarterback Bill Stull who has been consistent all year. He has thrown for 746 yards and 8 touchdowns with only 1 interception. His favorite targets are Jonathan Baldwin and Dorin Dickerson who have combined for 478 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. Freshman running back Dion Lewis has carried the load on the ground for the Pittsburgh and has rushed for 493 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Panthers have some defensive concerns as they allowed North Carolina State to put up 21 consecutive points in the final 18 minutes last week which nullified a great offensive day by Pittsburgh. Their secondary was abused last week as North Carolina State passed for 322 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Wolfpack quarterback also rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries.

The Cardinals must find a way to eliminate turnovers as they could not overcome their 3 last week against Utah. Louisville is averaging 23 points a game and is led by quarterback Justin Burke. Burke has passed for 649 yards and 3 touchdowns, but has 4 picks already in just three games. Their rushing attack has looked good this season, despite a poor performance last week. They are led in rushing by Victor Anderson who has 225 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year. Defensively, they are giving up 23 points a game. They recorded three sacks last week and will need to continue this kind of pressure against the Panthers' offense.

According to BetUS Sportsbook, Pittsburgh is favored by 6 1/2 over Louisville on the road. Louisville will need to contain Pittsburgh's offense in order to keep this one close. This game is huge for both teams as they begin Big East play.

To discuss this and other Sports Betting stories like it, be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/