The Panthers are a legitimate Big East contender after missing an opportunity to win the conference in a 45-44 loss to Cincinnati to end the 2009-10 season. The team has compiled a 20-7 record over the last 27 games, which is its winningest stretch since the 2001-03 seasons when they went 21-6. Dating back to 2007, Pittsburgh is 9-3 in its last 12 road contests, the best away stretch for the school since winning 13 in a row on the road over the 1980-82 seasons.

Utah puts its 17-game home winning streak on the line tonight and the team has also won its last three home games against ranked foes. The Utes beat No. 11 UCLA in 2007, No. 11 TCU in 2008 and No. 16 BYU in 2008. The team hopes to snap a winless streak in season-openers against a foe ranked in the Associated Press poll. Utah is 0-5 against AP ranked teams when kicking off the season.

The Utes have become a major player in the college football landscape, averaging 9.9 wins a season since 2003. In welcoming in a Big East opponent tonight, Utah has a good chance of improving its record to 8-0 against the conference. The team will be led by an offensive line that returns four starters and will be opening holes for two of the top running backs in the Mountain West Conference.

Recommended Bet

Bettors will be enticed to take the Panthers at the current match odds of +3.5 (1.75, -133), but we’re anticipating a market change. Hold out and wait to play Utah -3 if the odds change closer to game time.