Fearless prediction: Miami vs. Pittsburgh

No. 19 Miami (Fla.) at Pittsburgh (+3.5): Miami has had two weeks to think about that 36-24 loss at No. 2 Ohio State. The Hurricanes had an early lead in that game and were driving early in the third quarter with an opportunity to cut into Ohio State’s 26-17 halftime lead. But an interception by Jacory Harris put the Hurricanes in a hole they would never climb out of. And that’s been the story with Miami. The Hurricanes can be really good at time and really sloppy at other times, which usually costs them a win. Harris threw four interceptions against the Buckeyes. But there were some bright spots in that game. Lamar Miller returned a kickoff for a touchdown and Travis Benjamin returned a punt for a touchdown. Against Pittsburgh, Miami will have the speed advantage and will likely have more talent on the field. The Hurricanes are certainly capable of big plays against the Panthers, whether it’s a big pass play from Harris or a special teams play. The question is, can the Hurricanes avoid making costly mistakes? Pittsburgh is going to want to control the clock and ground out a win with running back Dion Lewis. The problem for the Panthers is that teams are keying on Lewis, which explains why he only has 102 yards on 35 carries this season. New quarterback Tino Sunseri has played well this season and the Panthers may need him to throw the ball more than expected if Lewis can’t get going. Neither team wants to drop to 1-2. I think Miami uses the Ohio State game as motivation in this one. That includes Harris, who I expect to shake off the mistake-filled game against the Buckeyes. It’s going to be close, but Miami comes up with some big plays. Miami 27, Pittsburgh 23.