2011 BBVA Compass Bowl, Pitt Vs. Kentucky Odds: Panthers Favored Amid Coaching Turmoil

The 2010 college football postseason is hitting the home stretch as it heads to Alabama for the BBVA Compass Bowl. The Pitt Panthers and Kentucky Wildcats hit the field on Saturday, Jan. 8 and we’ve got all your odds and predictions needs covered.

The line: Pitt by 3.5-4 points. The line opened favoring Pitt by two, but has moved a couple points more in the Panthers favor.

Notable Pitt units: The Pitt defense is giving up 19.8 points per game, ranked 20th in the nation. On offense, the Pitt rushing game is marginally better than its passing game, with the Panthers running for 157.8 yards per game, good for 54th in the nation.

Notable Kentucky units: In the regular season, it was the passing game. The Wildcats threw for 274.2 yards per game, ranked No. 22 in the nation. That all changes in the BBVA Compass Bowl with quarterback Mike Hartline suspended for the game. The offense, producing 33 points per game (ranked 25th) is likely to see a change without Hartline at the helm, relying more on Randall Cobb, the Wildcats all-everything athlete.

The pick: Even with Pitt’s coaching situation in flux and all the distractions the Panthers have had leading up to the bowl, we’ll go with Pitt here. Without Hartline, Kentucky takes a huge hit on offense, making one think the Wildcats will struggle to put up points. Pitt for the win and to cover.

The 2011 BBVA Compass kicks off at noon EST. The game will be televised on ESPN. Browse our 2010 college football postseason schedule for a complete list of bowls.