Randy Shannon and the Miami Hurricanes renew their rivalry with former Big East Conference foe the Pittsburgh Panhters coached by Dave Wannstadt. Both teams are 1-1 but have lost to ranked teams on the road and beaten cupcakes at home, so it is difficult to judge these teams. The two teams haven’t played since Miami left the Big East for the ACC in 2003. Before that Miami was 8-1 straight up against the Panthers, including the last 6. Both teams are hungry for a win before conference play starts.  The Hurricanes are currently 3.5 point road favorites according to the college football odds makers.

The Hurricanes had last week off after a mistake filled trip to Columbus to take on Ohio St. The normally mild mannered  Randy Shannon laid into his team after the 36-24 loss. Canes’ quarterback, Jacory Harris, who is normally solid had an awful day going 22-39 for 232 yards with only one touchdown and 4 picks. The touchdown htrow came  in the 4th quarter when the Buckeyes were up 36-17 and it didn’t really matter. Miami’s rushing game could only muster 120 yards against the stout Buckeye defense. The Hurricanes did put up 24 points but 14 of those were off special teams. Miami returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown against the Buckeyes. However, when you add up the turnovers with 8 penalties for 59 yards, and the defense’s inability to contain quarterback Terrelle Pryor, you can see why the ‘Canes were never in the game. Pryor threw for 233 yards and touchdown and also ran for another 113 yards and a score. Miami’s offense is ranked 38th in passing and 77th in rushing. most of those yards came against Florida A&M in a 45-0 rout the first week of the season.

Like Miami, Pitt is 1-1 and had last week off. The Panthers have some off the field issues as well. Freshman tailback Jason Douglas and offensive lineman Keith Coleman are both suspended indefinitely while being investigated for DUI and aggrav ated assult respectfully. The Panthers are also missing All-American defensive end Greg Romeus who is out after having to surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. Running back Dion Lewis has been held to 102 yards on 35 carries because teams are just keying on stopping him, as Tyler Sunsieri and the Panther passing game have been somewhat ineffective this season. Lewis has actually been outgained by backup Ray Graham 135-102. both have two touchdown runs.

Both of these teams were ranked in the preseason top 25, and Miami still is ranked #19, Both of these teams have problems, but Miami’s can be more easily solved. The two coaches know each other very well, as Wannstadt recruited Shannon to Miami when he was the defensive coordinator for the ‘Canes in the late ’80’s. He also drafted him for the Cowboys when he coached under Jimmy Johnson, and Wannstadt also hired Shannon to be his defensive coordinator for the Dolphins in 2000. as mentioned it is difficult to know what to make of these two teams, as both lost to ranked teams. This will be an interesting test for both teams.

Maddux Sports is releasing Thursday college football picks on this game.  Currently on a 18-5 college football pick run tonight we look to continue the winning, dont miss our Thursday ESPN TV winner.