South Florida vs. Pitt: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

A pivotal Big East matchup takes place tonight as the Pittsburgh Panthers host the South Florida Bulls.

Ranked at No. 16 in the country, the Bulls haven't had a challenge since the opening week, and because this is a Thursday night showdown, there is added pressure on the Bulls to deliver, so expect a close one. 

This will be the last time these two teams face each other as conference opponents because Pittsburgh is headed to the ACC next year. That makes this matchup even more intriguing as both teams want to out duel the other one final time. 

With that said, lets dig into some more specifics about this Big East battle. 

When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET 

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3.com

Spread 

According to bodog.com, the Panthers are favored by a field goal, which is an accurate assessment. Neither team has been absolutely spectacular, although Pittsburgh did a better job of slowing down Notre Dame. The Bulls didn't really beat Notre Dame because the Fighting Irish beat themselves.

I like the Panthers ever for the upset in terms of the Top 25 Polls. It's a home game, and that should be the difference maker tonight as the Bulls are finally exposed.

Over/Under 

 According to bodog.com, the over/under is set at 52. Take the over here because there isn't going to be much defense in this game. The Panthers defense was pretty good a week ago, but this week has been all about getting the offense back on track and one of these two teams will score in the 30's tonight. 

Key Injuries

 Bulls' defensive backs Quenton Washington, Tyson Butler and Ernie Tabuteau all have different injuries, but the only one questionable for tonight's game is Tabuteau. Defensive tackle Demi Thompson is questionable with a back injury, and wide receiver Terrence Mitchell is out with a concussion.  

Panthers' offensive lineman Chris Jacobson and linebacker Dan Mason are both out indefinitely with knee injuries.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications 

Pittsburgh has lost two games in a row, and while a win tonight would greatly help him, it's unlikely they'll see the Top 25 this season. 

South Florida is No. 16 in the country, and if they lose tonight they will be out of the top 25. They have a chance to reach a BCS bowl if the win the Big East, but a loss tonight will make it much harder to achieve that.

Keys to a South Florida Win 

 The Bulls need to continue their success with running the ball, but creating turnovers is key for South Florida tonight. 

They need to start off strong or else they'll fail to get momentum going. However, creating turnovers will always give a team a boost in momentum, but they have to put points on the board afterwards.

Keys to Pittsburgh Win 

 Give the ball to Ray Graham, and let him do his thing. Graham is seventh in the nation in rushing, and the offense is built around him.

He has to find success early and often tonight, and of course his quarterback Tino Sunseri can't make any mistakes.

Prediction 

 The Panthers will thrive at home as Ray Graham has a phenomenal night rushing the ball. The Bulls will start off 0-1 in Big East play because they'll be exposed in Pittsburgh tonight. 

Pittsburgh 30, South Florida 24