Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers at Cincinnati Bearcats Nov. 22, 2008

By Nevada Sharpshooter

In a battle for first place in the Big East, the 7-2 Pitt Panthers travel to Cincinnati to take on the 8-2 Bearcats.  Pittsburgh will rely on its strong ground game, led by RB LeSean McCoy who has over 1000 yards rushing while averaging 5 yards per carry.  When the Panthers need to throw it QB Bill Stull and WRs Derek Kinder and Jonathon Baldwin.  Kinder works underneath while Baldwin is the deep threat.

On offense the Bearcats are led by QB Tony Pike who has 12 TDs passing and the running back combination of Jacob Ramsey and John Goebel who have 568 and 436 yards rushing respectively.  If there is one area where Cincinnati has a decided edge in this game it is defense.  The Bearcat defense has held it’s opponents to 20 points or less 7 times, while Pitt has accomplished it only 3 times.

Pitt leads the series 7 -0.  While the Bearcats may have an edge on defense I believe overall the Panthers are the better team.   The Panthers have also shown the ability to win on the road with victories at Notre Dame and South Florida.  Take Pittsburgh +5 over Cincinnati.