2011 Compass Bowl Preview
The University of Kentucky enters the BBVA compass bowl with an overall record of 6-6. The Wildcats struggled in SEC play this year going 2-6, although one of those victories was against a solid South Carolina team. Pittsburgh went 5-2 this season in Big East Conference play and had an overall record of 7-5. This will be Dave Wannstedt’s last game as coach of the Pitt Panthers and it has been rumored that he won’t be on the sidelines at the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham. Well if you are thinking about betting on this game then you should definitely try situs judi qq online that will give you a seamless experience in terms of betting. Moreover, you also get safe and payment to and from the bank making this platform really popular among people that are interested in betting.
When Pittsburgh has the Ball
Pittsburgh ranked 68th in the nation in scoring this season at 26.3 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Tino Sunseri played well for Pittsburgh this year. Sunseri finished the season with 2476 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Running back Dion Lewis came into his sophomore season with Heisman trophy aspirations after a stellar freshman year in which he rushed for 1799 yards and 17 touchdowns. Lewis got off to a slow start this season and ended the year with 956 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the season finale against Cincinnati, Lewis had his best game of the season with 261 yards and 4 touchdowns on 42 carries.
The Wildcats ranked 73rd in the nation in scoring defense at 28.5 points per game. Kentucky’s defense had trouble rushing the passer with only 21 sacks on the season and they only had 8 interceptions in 12 games this year. Look for Kentucky to load the box against Pittsburgh to try to slow Dion Lewis.
When Kentucky has the Ball
The Wildcats were great offensively this season with a balanced attack that scored 33 points per game. The key to Kentucky’s offense this season was the play of quarterback Mike Hartline. Unfortunately for Wildcat fans, Hartline will not play in the Compass Bowl after being suspended following an arrest for alcohol intoxication and disorderly conduct. Fortunately for Kentucky, they still have a dynamic playmaker in wide receiver Randall Cobb. Cobb had 955 yards receiving, 401 yards rushing, and even threw for 3 touchdowns this year. Kentucky will look for ways to get Cobb involved on offense with screen passes, run plays, and even direct snaps.
The Panthers were solid on defense this season giving up less than 20 points per game. Pittsburgh’s defense had 30 sacks and 13 interceptions as a team this year. The key for Pittsburgh will be to make sure they know where Randall Cobb is on every play and try to take him out of the game.
2011 Compass Bowl Betting Lines and Prediction
Pittsburgh is currently favored by 3 1/2 over Kentucky in the Compass Bowl and the over/under is set at 52. The loss of quarterback Mike Hartline is going to hurt Kentucky. I like Pittsburgh to win and cover the 3 1/2 points behind a big game from Dion Lewis. With Kentucky missing it’s quarterback and Pittsburgh running the football I am confidently putting my money on the under.
