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South Florida v. West Virginia Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

wvu usf 102709 The 6-1 West Virginia Mountaineers and the 5-2 South Florida Bulls clash at Raymond James Stadium under the Friday night lights in a Big East battle on ESPN 2. NCAA football odds makers have listed the West Virginia Mountaineers as a 3-point road favorite.

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The No. 20 West Virginia Mountaineers face a critical Friday night contest in terms of the Big East race when they visit a hungry South Florida squad looking to bounce back from consecutive losses to other Big East contenders Cincinnati and Pitt. WVU finishes its season with Cincy and Pitt, but it can’t afford to get caught looking ahead as a loss here would severely damage its title hopes.

USF has given the Mountaineers its fair share of problems the past few seasons. In fact, WVU is just 1-2 against USF the last 3 seasons despite being a favorite of at least 7 points in each meetings. The Mountaineers have been held to only 15 points per game by the Bulls in those three contests and WVU was even outgained by nearly 50 yards in its 13-7 home win last season.

The key for WVU could be getting off to a better start. Two weeks ago, the Mountaineers trailed 7-3 to Marshall at the half before kicking things in high gear to win 24-7. Last Saturday, they needed a 56-yard touchdown run by Noel Devine to regain the lead and secure the win against Connecticut. Devine could be the difference maker again this week. His 148 yards per game during WVU’s four-game winning streak has helped the Mountaineers boast the Big East’s best running attack. Devine ranks No. 7 in the country in total rushing.

USF’s defense has struggled to slow down the run, but you can count on the Bulls doing all they can to get QB Jarrett Brown to pass the football this week. Brown did not look like himself in his return from a concussion Saturday. It is worth noting that the Bulls are only 3-11 against the spread in their last 14 games versus a team with a winning record. If you like the Mountaineers to win their fifth straight and cover the number in the process, bet West Virginia at -3 at Bookmaker.

South Florida ranks first in the Big East against the pass behind a strong pass rush, but it ranks seventh against the run. Cincy gashed the Bulls for 189 yards on the ground on October 15th and Pitt bested that performance by gobbling up 214 rushing yards last week. Stopping the run is a must against the Mountaineers to enable All-American defensive end George Selvie to go after Brown.

USF’s offense must also come back to life. Redshirt freshman QB B.J. Daniels had been looking pretty impressive, but he went just 4 of 8 for 54 yards and two interceptions against Pitt. With WVU’s defense being so stout against the run (No. 9 nationally), Daniels figures to be instrumental in the Bulls’ chances. UConn QB Cody Endres was able to carve up WVU for 378 yards last week, but he was also intercepted three times. Daniels should have the opportunity for a big day through the air, but he can’t afford to continue making poor decisions. With as elusive as he is, I would much rather see him pull it down and run it before forcing something down the field. Home field could ultimately be the difference maker in this one as USF is a stellar 21-6 at home since the beginning of the 2005 season. It is also worth noting that the Bulls are 13-6 against the spread in their last 19 home games and 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games as an underdog. If you like the Bulls to pull off the small upset at home, bet South Florida at +3 at Bookmaker.

Jimmy Boyd has been strong under the Friday night lights all season and he is currently 3-0 his last 3 Friday NCAA football picks. Make sure you’re on board this week for Jimmy’s fourth straight Friday night winner!

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