Pitt's Ray Graham will try to duplicate his impressive performance last week against Notre Dame. (US Presswire)

Pittsburgh (4-5, 1-3 Big East) at Connecticut (3-6, 0-4 Big East)

Kickoff: Friday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Spread: Pittsburgh by 3.5

Watchability: If you're strictly a football fan, then fine, this is the only option. Otherwise, there's way too much basketball Friday to fit this one in.

Shining stars: Pittsburgh -- RB Ray Graham. The senior had a huge game in the Panthers' narrow loss last week at Notre Dame, rushing for 172 yards and a score. Graham hasn't been his usual self this season, a fact that can be attributed to last season's knee surgery. If he's able to string together a few strong games as the season winds down, he'll help his draft stock. Connecticut -- DE Trevardo Williams. Now the school's all-time leader in sacks at 27.5, Williams will try to build on that number by getting after Pitt QB Tino Sunseri. Williams, with LB Yawin Smallwood, anchors a solid Huskies defense that is able to keep UConn in most games. Unfortunately, the offense doesn't offer much help.

Who could steal the show: Pittsburgh -- WR Devin Street. The Connecticut defense is fairly stout -- against both the run and pass -- but if Street is able to get some plays in space, he can make things happen. If UConn decides to load the box in order to keep Graham in check, Sunseri and Street should be able to take advantage. Street was held in check last week in South Bend, but he has three games this season with better than 110 yards receiving. Connecticut -- RB Lyle McCombs. The sophomore has failed to match his production from last season, but McCombs is liable to break out in a big way at any time. He's struggled mightily over the last three games, but Pitt's rush defense is average. Plus, McCombs had one of his best games of the season last year against the Panthers, rushing 25 times for 124 yards.

You going? Ranking the road trip: There's no substitute for a Friday night college football game .. except maybe this one. 

Magic number for Pittsburgh: 19.7. After giving up an average of 32.5 points in its first two games, Pitt has nearly cut that total in half over its last seven. 

Magic number for Connecticut: 33. In that vein, UConn has scored a total of 33 points over its last four games, all losses. The Huskies managed just six points last week at South Florida.

This game comes down to: Pittsburgh's offense. The only way Connecticut can win this game is if Pitt gives the ball away on offense, something it is not accustomed to doing. If the Panthers can score early and often, UConn won't keep up and doesn't stand a chance.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Connecticut 10

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.