Pittsburgh vs. Houston

Pittsburgh is a one-dimensional offense: all running. That will be a problem in this Bowl game against a sensational Houston defense. Pitt is #105 in the nation in passing. The Panthers are 2-7 ATS following a win and 3-7 ATS after a spread cover. There has also been a lot of turmoil off the field for Pitt. Paul Chryst left Pittsburgh after three seasons to take over his alma mater, Wisconsin. Once Chryst departed, chancellor Patrick Gallagher decided to get rid of athletic director Steve Pederson. The turmoil has taken the focus off Pittsburgh's bowl appearance as the Panthers were chosen for this game to replace Army. Houston's defense will pose a stiff challenge, yielding 19.5 points per game for the nation's #11 best mark. The Cougars are on an 18-8-1 ATS run, plus 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games. The Cougars are in this Bowl for the fourth time and the proximity is close to campus, giving them a fan base edge. Houston has more speed on offense and better balance too. Take the Cougars.