ESPN College Football

There's more going on this weekend besides Miami at Virginia Tech, but it's hard to find another game to care about. Yes, Wisconsin is playing Penn State for the Big Ten lead, but other than fans at those two schools, who is running to the set to watch that one? Yes, Pitt and Louisville are playing for what originally looked like Big East supremacy, but now that the Big East has become the Little East, the game has lost its impact.

Yes, Notre Dame is hosting Tennessee, but with all of the Vols' problems, that game has also lost its luster. One could have passive interest in Texas at Baylor to see if Baylor might shock Texas as Oklahoma State nearly did last week; or to see if Stanford, a 34-point underdog, might be able to give USC as tough a game as UCLA experienced last week. But when it comes down to it this week, the lure of watching once-mighty Miami march into Blacksburg to take on the Hokies is just too good an attraction to pass up. So cancel those dinner reservations and order in. This one is the battle to see.

Louisville -20½ vs. Pittsburgh: The Pitt Panthers have gradually improved this year after a very rocky start. The defense is tightening up some and quarterback Tyler Palko seems to be adjusting to the new system. When playing at home against other Big East teams, the Panthers will be very competitive. But this game isn't home and worse yet it's on the road against the monster of all home teams: Louisville. The Cardinals are about as explosive as you can get -- when at home. After three games this year at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville is averaging 64 points per game. The Cards have also won their last nine home games by spreads ranging from 21 to 63 points. Brian Brohm is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country and Michael Bush is speed and power personified in a running back.

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