West Virginia vs Cincinnati Odds - Mountaineers fettered by injuries
The West Virginia vs Cincinnati odds will highlight the Big East Conference on Friday night in a Top 25 matchup. The Bearcats may feel a little slighted this week as they were leapfrogged by the TCU Horned Frogs. Even so, if the Bearcats take care of business and win out, they’ll get their spot back. For now, they have to be weary of a West Virginia squad that actually controls their own destiny. If the Mountaineers can beat Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the coming weeks, they’ll be atop the Big East.
West Virginia vs Cincinnati odds: Cincinnati -9.5
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West Virginia vs Cincinnati odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
Online betting fans may know about Cincinnati, but they should keep in mind that if West Virginia (7-2, 3-1) wins the remaining games on their schedule, they will be the Big East champs. They may be under the radar this year, but they’re still very much in the hunt for the Big East. As for Cincinnati (9-0, 5-0), they are the No. 5 team in the nation and one of just a handful of undefeated teams. They are the highest ranking team in the Big East, and sportsbook odds makers know that they have a good chance at a BCS Championship game if anyone in front of them stumbles. The Bearcats still don’t get much credit but a win here helps their case. Betting Edge: Even
West Virginia vs Cincinnati odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Mountaineers offense may lack some punch this week as quarterback Jarrett Brown is recovering from a concussion, and running back Noel Devine has a sprained ankle. To be frank, this offense isn’t the same if these guys aren’t healthy. Last week, the Mountaineers struggled to beat Louisville at home, which is a bad sign for this week. Sportsbook odds makers have made the Bearcats a big favorite because of the advantage they should have on offense. It’s not that they’re a juggernaut, but they are very effective. Between Tony Pike or Zach Collaros – regardless of who is starting at quarterback – the Bearcats move the ball efficiently up and down the field. Mardy Gilyard is a dangerous weapon on the outside and he helps break open the big plays. The Bearcats have scored at least 28 points in every single game this year. Betting Edge: Cincinnati
West Virginia vs Cincinnati odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Mountaineers are coming off a good defensive outing, but really, their defense is not as good as Cincy’s. The Mountaineers didn’t allow a touchdown against Louisville, which was the first time all year that happened. While they looked good against Louisville, they were deplorable the week before it. South Florida tore them apart for 431 yards and 30 points. This could be an ugly reality check for West Virginia. While the Bearcats defense let Connecticut back in the game in the second half last week, this is still a very good unit that simply lost focus. It was the first time all season long that the Bearcats had allowed more than 20 points. Prior to that, the Bearcats had been allowing just 12.3 points per game in Big East play. This is a good defense. Betting Edge: Cincinnati
West Virginia vs Cincinnati odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Mountaineers will probably have both Brown and Devine in the lineup, but clearly, neither will be 100%. Brown fought off cobwebs and looked very sluggish against Louisville, while Devine will be dealing with an ankle sprain. Those two players are the best offensive weapons the Mountaineers have. Meanwhile, the Bearcats will get back quarterback Tony Pike for this contest. Backup Zach Collaros has been fantastic in his stead, so the Bearcats are prepared if Pike is rusty. Betting Edge: Cincinnati
West Virginia vs Cincinnati betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
NCAA football betting fans may be tuning in to see a tight Big East contest, but they’re a week early on that one. The Bearcats are the better team all the way around and the Mountaineers injuries are really going to hamper their chances of winning this game. The big game everyone should keep their eye on is the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh showdown next week, as the Bearcats should roll in this game. BLAKE’S PICK: Bearcats -9.5
For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit us in the BetOnline.com Betting Edge every day. For more on the West Virginia vs Cincinnati matchup, check out our stats center. Blake Frazier is one of BetOnline.com's college football experts.
