Previewing Thursday's college football TV games
Paste BN Sports' Eddie Timanus examines Thursday's TV game slate.
Virginia Tech (4-2) at Pittsburgh (3-3)
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET/ESPN. Surface: Grass.
Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2. Sagarin difference: VT by 2.24.
Synopsis: The early game on the schedule tonight spotlights the ACC Coastal, where gaining separation from the field has been difficult through the first half of the season. The Hokies put themselves in an early hole with a loss to Georgia Tech, while the Panthers have dropped three in a row including a league setback at current division leader Virginia in their most recent outing. This is not likely to be an offensive showcase.
Virginia Tech QB Michael Brewer has shown flashes but remains error-prone, and top TB Marshawn Williams (ankle) is doubtful. If Brewer can find his touch, WR Isaiah Ford figures to be his main beneficiary. But if he can't, LB Anthony Gonzalez and the Pitt front will be harder to solve. Panthers' TB James Conner is the ACC's rushing leader averaging 149 yards a game, but he, too, could find the going rough against LB Chase Williams and the Hokies' run stoppers if QB Chad Voytik is unable to lend reliable air cover.
No. 23 Utah (4-1) at Oregon State (4-1)
Time/TV: 10 p.m. ET/Pac-12. Surface: Artificial.
Line: Utah by 2 1/2. Sagarin difference: Utah by 3.75.
Synopsis: It took an extra week for Utah to crack the top 25 following its takedown of UCLA, but the Utes are here to put their ranking on the line in Corvallis, where Oregon State embarks on a key stretch that will determine if it can contend in the Pac-12 North. If not for a late collapse against Washington State, Utah would be in sole possession of the South lead. But the Utes regrouped from that setback to win at the Rose Bowl against the Bruins.
The question now is whether Kendal Thompson, who played most of the UCLA game, or opening-day starter Travis Wilson will take the bulk of the snaps at QB. Utes coach Kyle Whittingham isn't naming a starter publically, but both are likely to see the field. Both can also run, so the Beavers' defense, centered by LB Jabral Johnson, must maintain gap discipline. Oregon State QB Sean Mannion is an experienced hand running the spread attack that makes extensive use of WR Victor Bolden and TBs Terron Ward and Storm Woods. But protecting Mannion from the likes of Utes DEs Nate Orchard and Hunter Dimick will be a challenge. The Beavers must also watch out for Utah WR/RS Kaelin Clay, who has brought three punts and a kickoff the distance already this year.
Lines furnished by Glantz-Culver.
Jeff Sagarin's power ratings show the relative strength of teams; 3.29 points were added to the home team's rating to calculate the difference.