Could this one have been any easier? Evan Altemus saw some extreme value in the under last night, but there is no way he could have predicted the 3-0 final score, even as talented as he has been with his bowl picks. This has been the easiest winner over the bowl game odds that I can remember, so let’s take a look at how he saw it coming:
Both of these teams have played sluggish on the offensive side of the ball this season. Pittsburgh’s offense has problems when they can’t run the football, as quarterback Bill Stull hasn’t been able to effectively move the ball through the air. They will have a stiff test against an Oregon State team which has one of the best defenses in the Pac-10. The Beavers held 8 out of the 12 teams on their schedule to under 26 points this season, including USC. Their defense lost almost every starter from a season ago, but that unit has matured and improved throughout the season. However, Oregon State will be without their star running back, Jacquizz Rodgers, as well as starting wide receiver James Rodgers. Both starters will be out due to injury. Quarterback Lyle Moevao is decent but not capable of putting up big numbers by himself. He will miss his starting running back, and the absence of Jacquizz Rodgers is going to greatly affect the entire offense. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh also has an outstanding defense. Head coach Dave Wannstadt is a former defensive coordinator, so he will have his team prepared to shut down Oregon State’s offense. Look for this game to be very physical and low scoring.
2 UNIT SELECTION