Mustangs vs. Panthers: BBVA Compass Bowl NCAA Free Pick

BBVA Compass Bowl featuring the Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs Saturday, January 7, 2012, at 1:00 PM ET from Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. When they line up for this one the uniforms will be the only thing telling these two teams apart.

Our prediction research for the BBVA Compass Bowl revealed two very evenly matched teams in this one. The Mustangs and Panthers are both defense first, while SMU has an edge with the better passing offense.

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Mustangs vs. Panthers: BBVA Compass Bowl Preview

Pittsburgh (6-6 OA 4-3 Big East) should have some extra motivation in wanting to stick it to their ex-head coach Todd Graham who bolted for Arizona State at the end of the season. Classy guy that Graham who leaves after just a year at Pittsburgh and informed his players of the move via text message. Pitt averaged 25.8 points for (70th) and gave up 22.4 points against (3rd).

The Panthers had a tough time getting on a roll as they had one two game winning streak, a couple of two game losing skids, and closed with a five game “won one – lost one’ rotation. Their season ending win over Syracuse (33-20) made the team Bowl eligible for the fourth straight year. The Panthers also played in the Compass Bowl last year as they registered a 27-10 win over Kentucky.

Southern Methodist (7-5 OA 5-3 C-USA) thought they were going to be the ones to loss their coach to the Sun Devils but head man June Jones insists that he’s happy at MSU. Jones is trying to register his 100th win as a collegiate level head coach. After a 1-11 season in 2008, the Mustangs are in their third straight Bowl game. We see them as the more pumped up team in this one.

The Mustangs whacked Nevada 45-10 in the 2009 Hawaii Bowl and were edged 16-14 by Army in the 2011 Armed Forces Bowl. SMU went 5-1 to open the season but slumped down the stretch with a 2-4 record. The Mustangs qualified for the Compass Bowl with a 27-24 home win over Rice in their season finale. SMU averaged 25.7 points for (71st) and 24.5 points against (54th).

BBVA Compass Bowl Betting Lines: SMU vs. Pittsburgh Free Pick

The Sportsbook at Betonline.com is the odds supplier of the Compass Bowl betting lines for our Panthers vs. Mustangs Free Pick. If the Mustangs passing game is clicking – this one is over early!

SMU shocked #20 TUC with a 40-33 OT win in Week 5 and were pounded 37-7 by #11 Houston in Week 11. Pitt won their only Top 25 encounter as they beat #16 South Florida 44-17 in Week 5 of the NCAA season. We like the team that retained their head coach to get him win #100 here!

Pittsburgh vs. SMU Free Pick: Back the Mustangs at +3.5  (-110) at BetOnline!

Betting lines are posted for the PIT vs. SMU 2012 Compass Bowl and they are available to wager on right up to game time at the BetOnline Sportsbook. This world-class online gambling website also offers wagering options on major sports and entetainment events from around the Globe!

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