Thursday Night College Football: Miami (19) at Pittsburgh

Miami NFL Prospects to Watch:

DE Allen Bailey – The 6’4” 285 lb defensive end has 13 sacks and 21 TFL in his two years as a starter.  He could  be a top 15 pick in the draft this year.

OT Orlando Franklin – The 6’7” 312 lbs lineman was considered one of the best guards in the country last year.  Franklin will be making the move to left tackle this year, a position he is probably better suited to play.

CB Brandon Harris – Harris is only a junior but was second in the nation last year with 15 pass break-ups.  The “U” has a tradition of putting some good corners in the NFL, and Harris should be no different.

WR Leonard Hankerson – Hankerson is a big physical receiver that can make plays.  He had 6 TDs and averaged 17.8 yards per catch last year.

Pittsburgh NFL Prospects to Watch:

WR Jon Baldwin – Unbelievable jumping and playmaking ability... oh and he is 6’5” 225 lbs:

OT Jason Pinkston – Has 28 career starts at left tackle and has paved the way for some good running backs.

DE Jabaal Sheard – With the injury to Pittsburgh's top defensive end prospect Greg Romeus, they need Sheard to step up and make plays.

Overview: The Hurricanes really need Jacoby Harris to step it up and have a good game.  He has struggled in big games in his career; he threw 4 picks in the loss to Ohio State earlier this year.  This will be another tough road test for Miami.  Pittsburgh lost their season opener to a tough Utah team, but they have a chance to jump back into theTop 25 rankings with a win over Miami.

The Pick: Miami -3.5, I think Miami’s defense will step up and make some plays and they will pull out a close win.

Thursday Night Football: NC State Vs. Cincinnati

NC State vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati players to watch:

WR Armon Binns – 6’3” receiver that hauled in 66 receptions and 11 TDs last year. Product of the spread system or a top prospect?

TE Benjamin Guidugli – Only a 6’0 tight end but can still make plays.

NC State:
LB Nate Irving – Had 80 tackles and 11 TFL in 2008, he did not play at all in 2009 because of a 2008 car crash. It will be interesting to see how he does.

WR Jarvis Williams – 6’4” WR that is a threat in the red zone, had 11 TDs last year.

WR Owen Spencer – Another tall receiver at 6’3” may have more talent then Williams.

Overview: The ACC has really been struggling with some of the top contenders already being beaten badly (Virginia Tech, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Georgia Tech...). NC State is one of the ACC’s most underrated teams. QB Russell Wilson is very good and is one of the most underrated QB’s in the country; he’s thrown for an amazing 53 TDs and only 11 INTs in his career. Cincinnati lost many of its key players last year to the draft including QB Tony Pike and leading WR Mardy Gilyard. The loss of those leaders may have contributed to upset loss in their season opener.

The Pick: NC State -1.5 – I think an underrated N.C. State team at home will take this one.