“2 UNIT” COLLEGE FOOTBALL SIDE (Rutgers +6 at home versus Pittsburgh in a 8:05 eastern kickoff on ESPN):

It is easy to see why the line on this contest has exploded from an opening figure of 3’ points as most bettors still have fresh in their minds the opening week ESPN televised disaster when Rutgers was squashed 47-7 at home by Cincinnati/ Since that debacle the Scarlet Knights have played the “sisters of the poor” going up twice against Division I-AA competition along with a pair of Division I squads (Florida International, Maryland) who have struggled out of the gate. But in my opinion the easy opening schedule for Rutgers was a stroke of brilliance by head coach Greg Schiano as his troops are breaking in some very YOUNG players including freshman quarterback Tom Savage who has already thrown for nearly 700 total yards. Even though the competition has been weak, the many youngsters on the Scarlet Knights roster have gained invaluable experience along with confidence. I for one have complete respect for Greg Schiano who is now in year #9 directing a Rutgers program that used to be in complete shambles. What I will never forget was when Schiano actually turned down the then vacant Miami head coaching job when the Hurricanes came calling. For a coach to show that much dedication for a relatively small program is unheard of in college football and tonight the Scarlet Knights have a chance at retribution on a National-TV level. Tonight marks the 25th consecutive year that Rutgers and Pittsburgh have faced each other in what is one of the longest Big East conference rivalries. Even though the Panthers have dominated the long range numbers, Rutgers has reeled off 4 consecutive outright WINS in this series and have suddenly become a force. What has caught my attention regarding Rutgers is their knack of creating opportunities via the takeaway as they forced the opposition into 15 TURNOVERS in the past four outings. I will admit a veteran Scarlet Knights offensive line has already allowed 14 sacks but that has helped inflate tonight’s price tag. I will also admit that Pittsburgh quarterback Bill Stull has virtually come out of nowhere with an excellent ratio of 13 touchdown passes versus just 3 interceptions. Stull has looked great with the help of a Panthers rushing attack that is averaging 5 yards per carry, but consider they are being led by true freshman Dion Lewis who at this point may be a bit overvalued. Turning to the subject of WEATHER tonight we will see windy-and-wet conditions, but I want all of you to be aware that Rutgers already has already played in a driving RAIN storm at Maryland earlier which helps acclimate them to adverse field conditions. Even though it was against a weak opponent, the Scarlet Knights are coming off a 42-0 triumph where the defense pitched a shutout. Rutgers just happens to be a positive 4-1-1 ATS when coming off a “margin” victory of 20+ points. Rutgers also has successfully COVERED the spread 10 of the past 14 times they have been cast as a home underdog. In the eight years where Greg Schiano has been head coach, Rutgers has gone a stellar 15-5 ATS versus quality opponents who win by an average of 10+ points per contest. To add even more icing to the cake, the UNDERDOG in this Rutgers/Pittsburgh Rivalry series has COVERED the spread 6 times in the past 7 years!