Pitt kicks off the Todd Graham era on Saturday at 6PM at the big ketchup bottle, as Boomer likes to call it. The latest line has Pitt favored by 29.5.
Buffalo finished last season 2-10, but don't let that full you. They will be better this year. The offense averaged less then 15 points per game, but they were under first year head coach, Jeff Quinn. Quinn was installing the same offense that he ran as the offensive coordinator at Cincinnati under Brian Kelly....YES, THAT CINCINNATI (I will give you a few minutes to act like this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umDr0mPuyQc ). Relax, he doesn't have the same weapons.
While last year got off to a rocky start, the Bulls of Buffalo should be improved on the offensive side of the ball. Their offensive line was smaller and banged up last year, and they had real problems under center. This year, their offensive line may still be somewhat of a weakness, but they will be improved there. The QB situation will be put in the hands of Cincy transfer, Chazz Anderson, who was the back up while Quinn was at UC. The running back for the Bulls is very unsettled, but the receivers are the strength of the offense and they are deep.
The defensive front seven for UB is also a strength and should test Pitt's reconfigured offensive line. The bad news is that if Pitt's big boys can handle business up front, it could be a long day for the Bulls. Every starter in the defensive backfield graduated last year.
UB is picked by most outlets to finish near the bottom of East division in the MAC. Despite that outlook, most Pitt fans will remember another MAC team they were supposed to manhandle when they lost to Bowling Green a few years ago...I do...I was there. Unlike that Pitt team, I do feel like Graham cannot wait to get started at Pitt and wants to get off on the right foot with this team. He's excited and so should the fans. I do believe there will be a few growing pains this year, and that could contribute to a couple of problems on Saturday, but my pick is Pitt 44-17.
I believe Pitt can handle the defensive front of Buffalo and the new look defense should get a good amount of pressure on Anderson Saturday night. Hopefully, around 9:30 on Saturday evening, Pitt will be feeling pretty good (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF_v_eRx1ds ).
Since Pitt is implementing a new O & D, I think the 29.5 spread might be a bit much. However, Pitt should still thump Buffalo. Even with new plays and schemes to learn, Pitt has much better overall talent ( and dare I say...a new staff that desires aggressive play-calling and demands accountability)
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