Villanova @ Pittsburgh

[Gangtackle11]

Date: Saturday September 3rd 1:30PM
Game @ Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa
TV: ESPN3
Current Vegas Line: Pitt -26 1/2
Pitt leads series 2-0
Last Meeting: 9/5/1998 won by Pitt 48-41

2015 Villanova record: 6-5
2015 Pittsburgh record: 8-5 (lost to Navy 44-28 in Military Bowl)

Villanova Head Coach: Andy Talley 249-151-2 overall; 221-133-1 @ Villanova (36 seasons as Head Coach; 32nd season as Villanova HC)

Pittsburgh Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi 8-5-0 overall & @ Pitt (2nd season as Pitt HC)

Villanova Leaders Returning
Passing: Zach Bednarczyk So. 122comp-210att-7Tds-10Ints.-1396 yards

Rushing: Zach Bednarczyk So. 106att-515yds-5 tds

Receiving:Jarrett McClenton So. 22rec.-171yds.-1 TD

Tackles: Austin Calitro Sr. 90 tackles

Sacks: Tanoh Kpassagnon Sr. 6.5 sacks

Ints: Jason Ceneus Sr. 2





- - - Updated - - -

Any discussion about this game have at it!

[CHIP72]

Even though Pitt should be pretty good this year, that line seems high to me.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

What was the line for the UConn game last year?

[Gangtackle11]

What was the line for the UConn game last year?

Villanova was actually a 1 or 2 point favorite. Lost 20-15

[RedFlash]

Agree on the line, plus Pitt has a history (granted pre-Narduzzi) of under-performing in their openers. Also, while they all solid at RB and OL, their QB and receivers come in with some big question marks.

[centraljerseycat]

Villanova has never embarrassed themselves in these FBS games but this year they might. The offense could be a mess(void of playmakers and a soph turnover prone QB) and the place-kicking has been amongst the worst in FCS for years. Defense should be decent. Surprised the line isn't 30 plus though. Maybe the bookmakers think Pitt is looking ahead to Penn State in week 2????

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Villanova was actually a 1 or 2 point favorite. Lost 20-15

I thought 'Nova was the better favorite. Pitt almost always has several NFL guys on their roster. Coaching and general stupid play is what always seems to hold them back. They're one the real Jekyll and Hyde type teams in college football. Nebraska and Washington are in that mold too...

[Fordham]

Pitt is legit ACC under Narduzzi imo. Very tall order for 'Nova

[Ivytalk]

I'll take Nova plus the points.

[ngineer]

Agreed the spread is way too high. I think 'nova will be within a score and a turnover or two could spring the upset.

[Gangtackle11]

Here we go.....Pennsy Turnpike here we come!!

Primanti Bros. or bust!

[The Yo Show]

That line is high, at least from what the O.P. had stated the line was. At least it 26.5 points seems high to me. I would take Villanova if they have that much of a spread.

[Go...gate]

I think it will be a very good game. Go Wildcats!

[ASU33]

I'll take Nova! The spread is entirely too high.

[smilo]

I certainly wouldn't touch this game at that spread. Should be a 24-34 point romping by Pitt. This is not the Nova of the past few years, though I hope I'm wrong.

[Gangtackle11]

http://caasports.com/news/2016/8/26/FB_0826161205.aspx

[LeopardBall10]

This game will not be close. Nova trying to put it back together and Pitt a legit ACC team with an ACC Player of the Year at RB with something to prove since being deemed cancer free. Even if Pitt is looking forward to Penn State (which I don't think Narduzzi would ever let happen) this game gets out of hand based on the pure increase in talent at Pitt since joining the ACC.

[Gangtackle11]

This game will not be close. Nova trying to put it back together and Pitt a legit ACC team with an ACC Player of the Year at RB with something to prove since being deemed cancer free. Even if Pitt is looking forward to Penn State (which I don't think Narduzzi would ever let happen) this game gets out of hand based on the pure increase in talent at Pitt since joining the ACC.

It hurts me to write that I tend to agree with your statement. Villanova isnt proficient enough offensively & not built to stop a run away locomotive run game. I'm going to say we manage to cover the spread with a meaningless last drive TD. Pitt 35-13 with James Conner running for 150 in a half of play.

I'm a Nova fan, but realistic here. We'll take it out on Lehigh if healthy.

[Gangtackle11]

Coach Talley at the CAA coaches teleconference was quoted " Pitt is the best defense Villanova has faced ever."

[Gangtackle11]

Pitt game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2016-17/release/release_20160829aaa.pdf

[Lehigh'98]

It hurts me to write that I tend to agree with your statement. Villanova isnt proficient enough offensively & not built to stop a run away locomotive run game. I'm going to say we manage to cover the spread with a meaningless last drive TD. Pitt 35-13 with James Conner running for 150 in a half of play.

I'm a Nova fan, but realistic here. We'll take it out on Lehigh if healthy.

Hope you don't take us as lightly as you did Penn last year

[caribbeanhen]

I'm leaning towards a Pitt beatdown here, and yes I'm still hurt by the 60 point whippin gave the Hens 2 years ago....

Pitt 42
Nova 14

[Gangtackle11]

Hope you don't take us as lightly as you did Penn last year

Well if the Pope is in town and we lose our QB @ Pitt then it would qualify as the Penn game. I have a healthy respect for Lehigh especially after Penn game. I'm sure Villanova will be ready as long as they don't suffer a bunch of injuries in the $$$ game.

[Gangtackle11]

Villanova Game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nova/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2016-17/release/release_20160831aaa.pdf