2018 World Series preview/prediction

Photo creds to footwear news

By Joe Smeltzer
For the first time in more than a century, the Boston Red Sox and LA Dodgers (formerly the Brooklyn Robins) will face off in the World Series. It's not always the case that the two World Series opponents are the best teams in their respective leagues, but I think that is true for 2018. Here is a preview of what Joseph Arthur Smeltzer believes will happen in each game. Let's get into it.

Game 1
Chris Sale (9-5, 2.73 ERA) vs. Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73 ERA)

Boston has one of baseball's best going for it in Game 1 (Photo creds to Sporting News)

This is as good a pitching matchup as you'll see in baseball. While both pitchers give their teams the best possible chance to win any night, Sale's experience and dominance at Fenway Park gives Boston the edge in Game 1. Sale is 4-2 with a 2.11 ERA at home, and he'll be backed by the best lineup in baseball. All four of LA's postseason losses have come against left-handers, and that's a trend that will continue tonight.  I see the Red Sox getting to Kershaw early and Sale's arm making that lead hold up.

Boston 4, LA 2

Game 2
David Price (16-7 3.58 ERA) vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97 ERA)

The Price is right (photo creds to The Salem News). 

For much of his career, David Price has been criticized by many (myself included) for his postseason shortcomings. Price silenced his critics in the ALCS clinching win over Houston, pitching six shutout innings on three-days rest. I think that Price turned a corner at Minute Maid Park, and his form will carry over into the fall classic.

Ryu's numbers speak for themselves, and I expect him to keep the Red Sox at bay. One mistake, however, could decide this game, and either Ryu or somebody in the Dodgers bullpen will be the one to flinch.


Boston 2, LA 1

Game 3

Photo creds to The Stranger

Walker Beuhler (8-5, 2.62 ERA) vs. TBD (Likely either Rick Porcello or Nathan Eovaldi
The Dodgers will be refreshed going back home after an off day, and the have the right starting pitcher going for them. Buehler has been good, but not great in the postseason with a 3.86 era in two starts. He's due to pitch a gem, and at home down 0-2 is the perfect platform to do so. If Alex Cora decides to pitch the red-hot Eovaldi, Boston will keep this game close, but assuming he goes with the more experienced Porcello, LA's offense will break out.


Dodgers 5, Red Sox 1

Game 4
TBD vs. TBH (Eovaldi vs. Hill?)

The face of a champion (photo creds to ESPN)

I'd be surprised if anybody other than Rich Hill starts for LA. For Boston, whoever doesn't start game three between Porcello and Eovaldi will likely get the nod for game four. So assuming that Eovaldi vs. Hill is the pitching matchup, I'm giving the edge to the Sox.

Rich Hill is excellent, especially for his age, but at 38, he isn't as durable as he used to be. Hill hasn't pitched beyond the fifth inning in either of his playoff starts, while Eovaldi is 10 years younger and has pitched no fewer than six frames in October, not counting his relief appearance in game five of the ALCS.

Hill will depart after the fifth inning, and then Boston's offense will (finally) break out against the Dodgers bullpen. Eovaldi will give up two runs over seven strong, and Boston will grab a stranglehold of the fall classic.


Red Sox 7, Dodgers 2

Game 5
Kershaw vs. Sale Part II

Clayton Kershaw isn't losing twice in five days. That's just not happening.

Dodgers 3, Red Sox 0

Game 6

Price vs. Ryu Part II

The Dodgers will have momentum heading back to Boston after riding Kershaw's arm in game five, but it won't last. Price will vanquish his playoff failures once and for all with another gem, and Boston's offense will pound Ryu at Fenway. As good as Ryu is, Boston will be pumped up, and the offense will feed of a crowd that knows a world title is imminent.

This is Boston's year. These Red Sox were the best team in the regular season, still had doubters in the American League postseason, and put away two 100-win teams on their way to the fall classic. LA's playoff frustrations will continue, and Alex Cora will cap maybe the greatest season ever for a rookie manager with a World Series win. Boston will party like it's 1916.

Red Sox 9, Dodgers 3

Winners and new World Champions: Boston Red Sox. 

Photo creds to ebay.com

Good teams win, great teams cover: Part IV

By Joe Smeltzer
It's time for week four of picking against the spread for college/NFL games. Let's get into it.


Jeff
College
Michigan State: + 7.5 against Michigan State
I don't buy Michigan as a top team. I think Michigan State is underrated and will keep this close.

Oklahoma: -8 over TCU
The Sooners will rebound after a potentially playoff-ending loss over Texas with a statement win over TCU.

Miami (OH): +7.5 against Army
I think Miami keeps this game close and could end up upsetting Army.

Virginia: +7 over Duke.
Duke is quietly 5-1, but they'll have to hold off on the bowl celebrations another week because Virginia will win a tight dogfight.


NFL
Saints: -2.5 over Ravens.
Baltimore has a solid defense, but they haven't played an offense like the Saints. I'll take New Orleans and the points.
Browns: +3.5 over Tampa
I don't know why anybody is still riding the Bucs train. They've lost three in a row and it will be four come Sunday.
Chiefs: -6 over Bengals
The Chiefs will destroy the Bengals. The Bengals just can't stop the Chiefs
Falcons: -4 over Giants
Atlanta will win going away simply because its offense is above average. Everything else in this game is subpar. Expect another shitty primetime game.

Rutz
College
Vanderbilt: +13 over Kentucky
Mississippi State: +6.5 over LSU
Washington State: -3.5 over Oregon
Auburn: -3.5 over Ole Miss

NFL
Pats: -3 over Bears
Chiefs: -6 over Bengals
Bucs: -3 over Browns
Giants: +5.5 over Falcons
Falcons play every game down to the wire.

Brad
College
Duke: -7 over UVA
NC State: +17.5 at Clemson
Penn State: -14 over Indiana
FIU: -23.5 over Rice

NFL
New England: -3 over Chicago
New Orleans: +2.5 over Baltimore
KC: -6 over Cincinnati
LA Rams: -9.5 over San Fran

Joe
College
Penn State: -14 over Indiana
After two tough losses, my Nittany Lions should bounce back against Indiana, right? Right?

Colorado: +17.5 at Washington
Yes, the Huskies are at home and will be hungry after a tough loss at Oregon, but Colorado is also coming off a loss, so I think the 17.5 point spread is a little generous. I have faith in Steven Montez to hold his own at quarterback, and that the Buffs will lose by less than three touchdowns.

NC State: +17.5 at Clemson
This is a good an underrated football team in Raleigh. The Wolfpack have a solid offense led by quarterback Ryan Finley and a respectable defense led by linebacker Germaine Pratt, and they are a top 20 team for a reason. LIke Washington, I expect Clemson to win, but it will be closer than some people think.

USF: -32.5 over UConn
The Huskies are just that bad.

NFL
Colts: -7.5 over Bills
Buffalo is starting Derek Anderson at QB. Easy money here, even with Indy being a 1-5 team.

49ers: +9.5 vs. Rams
San Fran didn't look half bad in Green Bay Monday night, and the Rams have played two close games in a row. Solomon Thomas is finally playing like a first-round draft pick on defense, and San Fran is at home. LA will win, but I'm confident the '9ers will keep it close.

Eagles: -5 over Panthers
Carson Wentz is starting to look like himself again, while Carolina is 0-2 on the road. The Panthers suffered a tough loss to an NFC East team last week in Washington, and I think the same thing happens in Philly. Eagles by 10.

Vikings: -3.5 over Jets
I'm surprised the line is so tight on this one. Minnesota is finally starting to play like a Super Bowl contender, and while New York is improved, it's going to take more than a dominant win over Indy to convince me that this team is anything special. Kirk Cousins will outplay Sam Darnold, and Minnesota will win by two touchdowns.

Steelers: 2017 draft class already making a huge impact

Image credits to Yahoo Sports

By Joe Smeltzer

Over the past few years, much of the publicity the Steelers have generated has been negative.

The "terror twins," aka Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell, have frustrated fans and media alike with their behavior, with Bell developing a reputation as an ungrateful, greedy punk, and Brown an immature at best, malicious at worst prima donna.  As this season progresses, however, two players, who have the same respective positions as Bell and Brown are blossoming into stars on the field and causing minimal if any, theatrics off of it.

Since Bell has yet to show up to work this season, James Conner has taken the reins as Pittsburgh's starting tailback. Conner had a local following in the Steel City years before the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2017 draft with a stellar career as a Pitt Panther that culminated with him beating Hodgkin's Lymphoma to play the 2016 season. Every sports fan knows Conner's story, and his work ethic and humility have made him one of the easiest players in the NFL to cheer.

Through the first five weeks, Conner has more than held his own as the starter. He's not in the same class as a superstar like Bell, but Conner has rushed for 100 yards three times in six weeks and is averaging 4.4 yards per carry with seven touchdowns. Given the talent that surrounds Conner on offense, his production has been more than good enough for Pittsburgh.

Unlike Bell, Brown has shown up for work (most of the time) this season and has put up respectable numbers. Ahead of Brown, however, in several statistical categories, such as yards, yards per game,  yards per catch and receptions,  is the man who the Steelers picked the round before Conner in that draft, former USC Trojan JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster and Conner have different personalities. Conner is a person who more fits the mold of a guy shows up to work and does his job to the best of his ability. Smith-Schuster, on the other hand, has a little more "diva" in him. The kid has shown signs of immaturity-- he's 21, after all-- and fans and media fear that he could take on many of Brown's personality traits.

While Smith-Schuster has been immature at times, he's never caused a disturbance for the Steelers the way Brown and Bell have. For a team that's known for poor behavior both on and off the field, the 2017 draft class is a breath of fresh air for Pittsburgh.

Conner's humility is a nice diversion from Bell's absence, while Smith-Schuster's progress has made Brown's whining easier to deal with. Another member of that draft class, linebacker TJ Watt, is healing the wounds of some past draft-day blunders at the position.

While the Steelers have, for the most part, done well on draft day over the past decade, the franchise hasn't had much luck with linebackers. Pittsburgh wasted a first-round pick on Jarvis Jones, went with Jason Worilds when future Dallas Cowboys staple Sean Lee was available and, so far, has not gotten enough out of Bud Dupree. The only high round linebacker that Pittsburgh hit the mark on, Ryan Shazier, suffered a likely career-ending injury last season at just 25 years old.

Watt was Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 2017, and so far, he's played like a first-rounder.  Watt currently is tied for NFL lead in sacks and has established himself as the most dominant player on Pittsburgh's front-seven.

Despite drafting near the bottom of the first round for most of the past decade, the Steelers have developed a lot of impact players in both the early and later rounds. Brown and center Maurkice Pouncey were both drafted in 2010. The next year, Cam Heyward and Markus Gilbert went to Pittsburgh. David DeCastro was the 2012's first-round pick and Bell went in the second round of the 2013 draft.

All six of those guys have played huge roles on three AFC North championship teams, but the 2017 draft class might end up being the best of the Mike Tomlin/Kevin Colbert era, and could be as good as any class Pittsburgh has had since 1974 when the Steelers selected four future Hall of Famers.

The Steelers' first, second and third round picks in 2017 are all making a first-round level impact, and hell, they've outperformed most of that batch of first rounders. So while most of the headlines regarding the Steelers revolve around either the "terror twins," or Ben Roethlisberger, three young players are set to lead the Steelers into the post-Big Ben era. Their names are Conner, Watt and Smith-Schuster. They're all good, and they're all going to get better.

Good teams win, great teams cover: Part III

By Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. The boys are back. We're doing something a little different this year.  Instead of the old NFL previews, we are picking four games of our choosing from both the college and pro ranks and picking against the spread rather than simply who wins and loses. Week three of our bets are here, so let's get into it.

Ryan
College
#14 Florida: -7.5 over Vanderbilt
Vandy's defense seems to have taken a step back in the last two weeks, and the offense continues to struggle despite a great number of playmakers.

Pitt: +21.5 against #5  Notre Dame 
I don't expect Pitt to win, but ND is not as good as their record or ranking and Pitt usually has an impact on the college football playoff.

#7 Washington: -3.5 over #17 Oregon
Oregon is never going to recover from giving that game away to Stanford

#2 Georgia: -7.5 over #13 LSU 
Not many teams can go into Death Valley and win by more than a touchdown, but Georgia is really good on both sides of the ball.

NFL
Atlanta: -3 over Tampa Bay
The Falcons are reeling, but so are the Bucs. Atlanta has the offense to get a win Sunday

Steelers-Bengals: Push 
I'm surprised Cincy isn't the odds-on favorite in this one, but the Steelers will own Andy Dalton per usual.

Carolina-Washington: Push

Kansas City: +3 over New England 
The Chiefs are the best team in football, while New England's best win was against Miami.

Jeff
College
South Carolina: +2.5 over #22 Texas A&M
I'll take the 2.5 and the win for the Gamecocks.

Miami (OH): +11 over Kent State
Redhawks by three TD's

Georgia: -7 over LSU 
I'll side with the Bulldogs  in this one mostly because LSU is vastly overrated

Wisconsin: +10 over Michigan 
I'll take Bucky in this one. I think it will be a very close game and I'll gladly take 10 points on top of it

NFL 
Jags: -3 over Cowboys
I'll take Jacksonville and it won't be close. The Cowboys won't be able to handle the Jags D. 

Panthers: -1 over Redskins
Carolina is simply the better overall team

Bengals: -1.5 over Steelers 
I'll take the Bengals in this one because Pittsburgh is currently in shambles.

Texans: -10 over Bills
Josh Allen will struggle mightily vs. a tough Texans defense.

Brad 
College 
Alabama: -28.5 over Missouri 
Alabama is fresh off a defensive letdown, giving up 31 to Arkansas, so the defense should be in for a big game. 'Bama by 38.

Notre Dame: -21 over Pitt
Huge fan of Notre Dame after their quarterback switch. I expect a big performance against a lowly Pitt team.

Virginia Tech: -6 over North Carolina
UNC stinks.

UL Lafayette : -8.5 over New Mexico State. 
I had the opportunity to watch Lafayette in person and they were very good. I don't expect New Mexico State to be a problem.

NFL
Chargers vs. Browns (push) 
I see the Chargers pulling out a close victory over the Browns. Cleveland is good, but I see Melvin Gordon being too good for the Browns front seven.

Jacksonville: -3 over Dallas
I am not a big fan of the Cowboys this year. Expect a big Jacksonville win.

Pittsburgh: +1.5 over Cincy
I just don't see Cincy beating the Steelers. James Conner will have a huge game and propel the Steelers to victory.

Oakland: +2.5 over Seattle
This should be a close game, but I think Marshawn Lynch will play well in a revenge game and carry the Raiders to victory

Joe 
Pitt: +21.5 vs. ND
Notre Dame is clearly the better team, but Pitt is just mediocre enough to cover, much like it did in Happy Valley last year. Notre Dame by 20.

Ohio State: -29.5 over Minnesota
I love PJ Fleck, but the Gophers have lost their first two Big 10 games by an average of 23 points to Maryland and Iowa. I don't think they keep it within 30 in Columbus.

Vandy: +7.5 over Florida
The Gators are coming off a big win. Vanderbilt almost (and probably should have) beat Notre Dame in South Bend, so the Commodores can hang with the big boys. I'm expecting a letdown from Florida leading to a scare in Nashville. Kyle Shurmer's father can't coach, but the younger Shurmer is a reasonable SEC quarterback. He and Kalija Lipscomb will make enough plays to keep the game close, but Florida will squeak one out in the end. Gators by five.

Colorado: +7 over USC
Colorado is undefeated, while USC is barely above .500 with a freshman quarterback. Take the Buffs straight up. I don't care where the game is at.

NFL
Texans: -10.0 over Bills
Buffalo likes to alternate between good and bad weeks. This will be one of those bad weeks.

Packers: -9.5 over 49ers
Green Bay had a bad day last Sunday. Rodgers doesn't have two bad weeks in a row often. He ain't losing to a clown like CJ Bethard. Packers by three TD's.

Steelers: +1.5 over Bengals
It will be difficult for Pittsburgh to win the AFC North if they don't win this game, and Cincy will be in the divisional driver's seat with a win. So I guess it's fair to call this a big game for the Bengals. Which means Cincy probably won't get it done. Big Ben owns the AFC North, and Sunday won't be an exception.

Rams: -7 vs. Broncos 
Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks are back, which means Denver is in big trouble. LA is the best team in the NFL and will bounce back from a near slip-up at Seattle last week.

Good teams win, great teams cover part II

By Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. The boys are back. We're doing something a little different this year.  Instead of the old NFL previews, we are picking four games each from both the college and pro ranks and picking against the spread rather than simply who wins and loses. We only have three NFL games picked at the moment, so we will add an extra one soon enough. Let's get into it.





Joe's Picks
Michigan-Maryland
Maryland +17.5
The Terps aren't too bad this year. Yes, Maryland got shutout by Temple two weeks ago but responded well with a 42-13 win over Minnesota last Saturday. Playing in the Big House will be a challenge for Maryland's sophomore quarterback Kasim Hill, but I think the kid will be up for it. I expect the Wolverines to get the win, but Maryland will make it interesting enough to cover.

Oklahoma-Texas 
Texas -7.5
Kyler Murray is awesome, but I'd be shocked if OU just rolls over their rival here. Texas has been playing well on both sides of the ball since its week one loss to Maryland. Sam Ehlinger isn't as good as Murray, but he's a weapon for the Longhorns and can exploit OU's sometimes suspect defense. I think the Sooners have too much firepower to lose to Texas, but as far as the spread goes, take the Longhorns and the points.

FSU-Miami
Miami -14
Florida State stinks, and Miami's defense is ready to roll. N'Kosi Perry is the real deal, and he'll be ready to carve up the Seminoles. Perry's play at quarterback and a few appearances by the turnover chain will lead to a Hurricanes romp.

Kentucky-Texas A&M
Kentucky straight up
UK isn't just a basketball school anymore. Bennie Snell is one of the best running backs in the country, and Terry Wilson is a dangerous dual-threat QB. The Wildcats proved their worth in Gainsville, and they'll do it again in college station.

NFL
Giants-Panthers
Giants +6.0
Carolina isn't a great football team, and the Giants aren't terrible. I expect the Panthers to win, but New York will cover.

Seahawks-Rams
Seahawks +7.5
When the Seahawks are underdogs at home, take them.

Steelers-Falcons
Steelers -3.5
They're not starting 0-3 at Heinz Field. At least I don't think so...



Jeff's picks
Michigan -17.5
Maryland doesn't play football

Oklahoma -7.5
Oklahoma is the third best team in the country

FSU +14
I think this will be a close game. Therefore, Florida State will cover

Jeff: Kentucky straight up
I think Kentucky continues its hot start


NFL
Panthers -6.0
Carolina is better than it gets credit for

Rams -7.5
Rams are easily the best team in the league

Falcons straight up
The Falcons will win because the Steelers frankly just aren't that good this year


Rutz's picks
Oklahoma -7.5
Oklahoma can score 70 every week

Florida State +14.0
FSU will get up for Miami, but they'll still lose

Maryland +17.5
This game will be too low-scoring for Michigan to cover.

Rutz: Kentucky straight up.
Why does everybody keep underrating the Wildcats?

NFL
Giants + 6.0
Eh I just see this being a weirdly close game

Seahawks + 7.5
I love Seattle as home underdogs



Falcons straight up 
This will be a shootout that comes down to the final couple of minutes.

Ryan's picks
Michigan -17.5
Just because

Texas straight up
The Longhorns will get their first signature win under Tom Herman

Miami -14.0
Florida State is a dumpster fire

Kentucky straight up
This team is athletic

NFL 
Giants +6.0
This Giants team has a lot of weapons and the Panthers are inconsistent. I'll take New York to lose but cover

Rams -7.5
LA is the best team in football, the Seahawks are average at best and Pete Carroll is a bad coach.

Falcons straight up
Steelers defense is bad. This will be a shootout. Take the over.

Football Preview #1: Good teams win, great teams cover.

Hello, all. I took a while, but the boys are back. We're doing something a little different this year.  Instead of the old NFL previews, we are picking four games each from both the college and pro ranks and picking against the spread rather than simply who wins and loses. Let's get into it.

Pats-Dolphins (Pats -7.5)
Ryan: The Patriots have always had the Dolphins number and now come into this weeks game angry after back-to-back losses and being called old.

Steelers-Ravens (Steelers -3.5)
Ryan: The Steelers' defense is weak, and Baltimore has a revamped offense with multiple weapons. John Brown can stretch the field.

Raiders-Browns (Raiders -2.5)
Oakland is giving up more than seven yards per play. It's Baker Mayfield's time to shine. Defensively, Myles Garrett will be a headache in Oakland's backfield all afternoon.

Chargers-49ers (SD -10.5)
Ryan: Without Garrappolo, the 49ers will struggle to score. San Diego can put up the points to cover the spread.

College
Alabama-Lousiana (Bama -48.0)
Ryan: Hard not to take 48 points, even against Alabama

Clemson-Syracuse (CLEM -24.0)
Ryan: Clemson is working on a new QB and Clemson has been a surprise this year in the ACC. Syracuse keeps it close for a half and loses by about 17.

Penn State-Ohio State (OSU -3.5)
Ryan: Penn State sucks

Stanford-Notre Dame (ND -5.5)
Notre Dame is vastly overrated (per usual) as shown by Vanderbilt hanging with the Irish in South Bend despite playing pretty poorly.

Jeff: Dolphins
Patriots have been shaky to start the year while Miami has been the opposite. I think New England will get the win, but Miami will cover the spread

Ravens
The Ravens are going to win this game simply because the Steelers aren't that good. They should have lost their first three games, so I don't think they'll be able to handle the Ravens.

Browns
Come on. The Browns are winning this game. They are the much better team.

Chargers
Losing Garrappolo for the season is a killer and I don't see how CJ Beathard the elite Chargers defense with only a week of first-team reps.

Alabama
I mean come on. Take Bama and the points.

Syracuse
Clemson's overrated every year and Syracuse is vastly underrated. I'll take 24 points for Syracuse.

Ohio State 
James Franklin stinks

Notre Dame
ND switched QB's last week and it was very effective. I think this will continue.

Brad
New England
Miami has started strong and New England has done the opposite. I'm expecting a reality check in this game. Pats by 15.

Pittsburgh
Steelers could realistically be 3-0 or 0-3. The win last Monday was dominant, even if the final score didn't show it. I like the better team here, and if I could call a push, Steelers by three.

Browns
Call me a bandwagoner, I don't care. I'm on the Browns hype train. Cleveland has the most momentum of any one-win team and the Raiders have none. Baker Mayfield will shine in his first start as the Raiders can't get any pressure on the QB.

Chargers
I'm tempted to pick the 49ers, especially the way they played in the fourth quarter of last weeks game, but Melvin Gordon will tear them up.

College 
Lousiana
I go to Alabama and have seen them play first hand. They are the best team in college football, but I can tell you how this game goes. Tua goes off in the first quarter, slows down a little in the second, and then Jalen Hurts comes in. I expect a 51-7 final score, and Lousiana will cover.

Clemson
I believe this game will be close in the fourth quarter but the Tigers will pull away late.

Ohio State
Penn State has struggled with mediocre teams all year and the Buckeyes are the second best team in the country. The game will be closer than tan it should be, but Ohio State will pull away in the second half.

Stanford
Notre Dame shouldn't even be favored. I see the Cardinal winning by double-digits.


Joe
Patriots 
Miami ain't starting 4-0.

Raiders
John Gruden's return to the bay area is off to a disastrous start. Wouldn't it be fitting for Chucky to get his first NFL win in a decade against the Browns?

Ravens
Steelers win, Baltimore covers. These games are usually tight as hell, and Sunday night will be no exception. Steelers by two.

Chargers
A legit playoff contender vs. CJ Beathard. I like my chances.

Lousiana
'Bama by 47.

Syracuse 
The Orange aren't a bad team. Eric Dungy is a fine QB, so I'll take Syracuse to cover.

Ohio State 
Love Penn State, but the defense isn't ready yet. Buckeyes by 14.

Stanford
They'll ride the momentum from last weeks comeback against Oregon and pull a mini-upset in South Bend.

Pitt-Penn State: Three keys to victory

It's Pitt-Penn State. It's at Heinz Field, and it's at night. Pretty exciting, eh?
It will be more thrilling for me if Penn State gets out of Pittsburgh with a win, and here are three things that need to happen for the Nittany Lions to do that.

1. Last weeks near disgrace= Motivation
Penn State came so close to experiencing one of the worst losses in its history last Saturday against App State at Beaver Stadium. The near-disaster, however, could turn out to be a blessing.

Hopefully, the Nittany Lions at the least learned that they aren't that good yet, and know that they shouldn't take anybody lightly. The main hope is that Saturday's close call will create a more focused Penn State team that will make its debut in primetime tonight.

2. Force a big mistake 
Trace McSorley played a solid overall game the first time the two teams played at Heinz Field, going 24-35 and throwing for 332 yards. McSorley made mistakes, however. He lost losing a fumble early in the game, and His last throw of the day was intercepted in the end zone by Pitt defensive back Ryan Lewis, sealing the game.

Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett is in a similar situation that McSorley was two years ago. He's a young, undersized QB playing in his first big game and waiting to make an impact. Chances are that this will be a tight contest late in the second half, so if Penn State can force Pickett to make a big mistake with the game on the line and get the ball in the hands of an older, wiser and better McSorley, than I like the Nittany Lions chances to get the job done at Heinz Field.

3. Trace Mscorley, primetime player.
The most comfortable I feel with McSorley behind center is in primetime. When the lights are shining brightest, there are few players in college football who are better. Trace may not have the best stats in the world, and he's capable of looking shaky for a quarter or three. If the game is close in the fourth quarter, however, that's when McSorley turns into a monster.

People can say whatever about this guy, but he's a winner. If the way he plays tonight mirrors what he's done for the past two years, I like Penn State's chances.

Prediction
This will be a good football game. Not a great game, but a good one. It's  Pitt's super bowl, so the Panthers will be fired up, especially at home. For three quarters, the game will be extremely tight. In the last 15 minutes however, is when I expect Penn State's athletes to take over the game.

The Nittany Lions are more talented than Pitt, and I think that will be evident in the fourth quarter. McSorley will become the monster that he so often is toward the end of the game, and in the last five minutes, he'll throw the touchdown pass that puts the Panthers to bed.

Penn State 34, Pitt 24