Bodog Beat

Here comes the Sun Bowl, doo doo doo-doo. (Wikimedia Images)

El Paso has hosted this prestigious event since 1934; Wednesday’s compelling matchup pits the No. 18 Pittsburgh Panthers (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) against the No. 24 Oregon State Beavers (8-4 SU, 8-3 ATS).

Pitt has had its disappointing moments since Dave Wannstedt took the coaching reins at his alma mater. But the Panthers have been one of the hidden gems of the Big East, upsetting West Virginia (-3) and UConn (-1) to finish the regular season on a high note.

Conversely, the Beavers coughed up a Rose Bowl berth by losing their season finale 65-38 at home to the hated Oregon Ducks (+2.5). This is still a talented OSU team that handed the USC Trojans (-24) their only defeat of the season back in Week 5. However, motivation is going to be an issue for the Beavers as 3-point favorites (+100).