Birmingham, AL plays host to the Compass Bowl on January 7th with the Pitt Panthers competing with the Mustangs. The Panthers come in following the 1-year Todd Graham experiment at head coach. After taking the head coaching position at Arizona State, Graham quit his post on December 14th. Defensive Coordinator Keith Patterson will don the headset for the Panthers in this clash of titans. SMU comes into competition with the threat of the “Death Penalty” passed down in the 1980′s still being referred to today. Former Nfl and Hawaii coach June Jones is now in his 4th year on the sidelines of SMU. The wagering line has this established at Pittsburgh (-3) with the over-under of 47 points.
Football odds
Pittsburgh comes into competition with a 6-6 record and also a 4-3 record in the Big East. Winning vs #16 South Florida 44-17 on September 29th, they have had one contest vs a ranked opponent. Pittsburgh’s offense puts up 25.8 ppg with their defense allowing 22.4 ppg. Junior Quarterback Tino Sunseri comes into the game with 2,433 passing yards and a passer rating of 124.8. Junior RB Ray Graham has totalled 958 rushing yards and 9 Tds so far this year. Sophomore Wide receiver Devin Street is Sunseri’s favorite target catching 48 receptions with 2 Tds. Junior Wide receiver Mike Shanahan is an amazing second target with 35 receptions and 4 Tds.
Football odds
SMU comes in the match with a 7-5 record and a 5-3 record in Conference USA. They have gone 1-2 vs ranked competitors this year, winning over #20 TCU and losing to #8 Texas A&M and #11 Houston. The Mustangs allow up 24.5 ppg on defense while their offense averages 25.7 ppg. June Jones has traditional had pass-heavy squads in the past, counting on the run-and-shoot offense to put up major figures in offense. This Mustangs team this year has a 1,000 yard rusher, a rarity in the Jones’ program. Senior Quarterback J.J. McDermott with 3,182 passing yards and 16 TDs buoys the passing game. Junior RB Zach Line has had an amazing year with 1,224 rushing yards and 17 Tds. Senior Wide receiver Cole Beasley with 79 catches and 954 receiving yards and Junior Wide receiver Darius Johnson with 72 catches and 998 receiving yards steady the Mustangs receivers.
Bet Offshore. Win Big. Repeat.