Handicapper’s roots show, but this was no Eagles nest

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004 | 10:04 a.m.

Jeff Haney

A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fanatic, Las Vegas handicapper Patrick Bartucci made a pilgrimage to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh this past weekend for the Eagles' big game against the Steelers -- but he knew his Birds were in trouble before the game even started.

"I've been to a lot of Eagles road games, and this was the first one where nobody was chanting E-A-G-L-E-S," Bartucci said. "There was no section of all green and silver. It was just black and gold everywhere you looked. ...

"It's a great stadium, and the fans have more class than Philly fans. Some of them gave me a little bit of (guff), but nobody hit me or anything."

Figuring the Steelers are due for a letdown after beating undefeated teams in consecutive weeks, Bartucci bet against Pittsburgh in this Sunday's game at Cleveland. He was not alone: The Browns opened a 5-point underdog against the Steelers and have been bet down to 3 1/2 or 4 in Las Vegas sports books.

In the Pac-10 Saturday, Bartucci (online at patricksfreepress.com) is backing Arizona State minus 13 points against Washington State on what will likely be an emotion-packed day in Tempe, as the late Pat Tillman will be honored in a ceremony during the game.