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Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Dave Wannstedt is 0-5 following bye weeks in his three plus seasons at Pitt.  He looks to turn that statistic around this Saturday as his Panthers host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Heinz Field.  Kickoff is scheduled for noon on ESPN2.  This is the first meeting between these two schools since 1952 and the fourth overall.  Pitt comes into this game 1-1, losing to Bowling Green and defeating Buffalo two weeks ago, and searching for consistency on both offense and defense.  Iowa meanwhile is 3-0, coming off a 17-5 win over in-state rival Iowa State, under Head Coach and Pittsburgh native Kirk Ferentz.

When Pitt has the Ball

Pitt's offense has struggled at times this season due to poor play calling by offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh, and poor execution by the players on the field.  Quarterback Billy Stull showed marked improvement against Buffalo, and hopefully with another week of practce under his belt, he will be better this week.

The Panther running game and featured back LeSean McCoy have struggle in weeks one and two and look to get back on the beam this week.  For this to happen, the Offensive line has to improve dramatically.  One of the biggest question marks coming into this season, this unit has struggled to protect Stull and open up lanes for McCoy, who is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry.  I would expect to see more of Freshman right tackle Lucas Nix, replacing the struggling Joe Thomas.  Dave Wannstedt said that Nix would see more playing time against Buffalo, but only received a handful of snaps.  I expect that to change this week.  Freshman wideout Jonathan Baldwin is another guy who Wannstedt and Cavanaugh have mentioned as getting more snaps against Buffalo and again this week.  It remains to be seen whether the coaching staff will turn that talk into action.

Junior College transfer Quarterback Greg Cross, who was expected to see playing time early and often as a change of pace in the "Wildcat" formation has yet to see the field, despite poor offensive performances.  This has confounded most analysts who feel that those games would provide the requisite experience to be an impact player for the rest of the season.  Wannstedt and Cavanaugh have stated numerous times that they are looking for the right time to use him, and that we could see it at any time.

Pitt faces a tall order on offense this week as they go up against a defensive unit that has allowed just eight points on the season.  Opponents are averaging just over 250 yards per game against the Hawkeyes.  This unit boasts a big and talented defensive line that is sure to pose a challenge to Pitt's struggling Offensive line.  It is imperitive that this group open up holes for McCoy.  Stull must continue to be an accurate and efficient passer.

When Iowa has the Ball

Iowa comes in very unsettled at quarterback, where Jake Christensen and Rick Stanzi both expect to see playing time.  In weeks one and two, both played equally.  Versus Iowa St.  Stanzi was named the starter, but was ineffective and replaced by Christensen, who led Iowa to victory.  Christensen is expected to start this week.  A veteran starter, he has never lived up to the potential that he held as a top recruit. 

Iowa, much like Pitt, relies on its power running game, Led by Junior Shonn Green.  Green is averaging over six yards per carry running behind a big, powerful offensive line.  Stopping the run will be very important for Pitt as Iowa is uncertain at quarterback and lacks weapons at receiver.

Pitt will receive a major lift this week with the return of will linebacker Shane Murray.  Murray missed the first two games with a knee injury.  He is believed to be between 80 and 90 percent.  He will play, but how much remains to be seen.  His return could help key a defense that has struggled at times in his absence. 

Pitt Defensive Coordinator Phil Bennett stated earlier this week that Elijah Fields will get the start at Strong Safety over the struggling Dom DeCicco.  This move was greeted with much enthusiasm among fans and the media as Fields is a tremendous athlete who could provide the spark that this defense has been looking for.  However, Wannstedt lated backed off those comments calling them "Co-Starters".  How much playing time both will see remains a mystery.

A key to the Panthers defense will be the Defensive line.  This group has not lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon them up to this point.  They will be key in stopping Green and the Iowa running game.

Keys to the Game

Will Pitt be able to run effectively against a strong and aggressive Iowa front seven?

Will Shane Murray play effective minutes?

How much playing time will Elijah Fields see, and will he grasp the opportunity?

Will Iowa settle on a quarterback?

Can Pitt's defenseive line stop the run and pressure Christensen and Stanzi?

Wll Pitt attempt to stretch the field vertically on offense?

Will Pitt play with fire and emotion for a full sixty minutes?

This game reminds many onlookers of last year's Michigan State game, featuring two smashmouth football teams.  That game proved to cost Pitt a potential bowl bid.  Their play in this game could set the tone for the rest of the season.  Pitt faces a formidable foe in Iowa.  They are a tough, experienced team.  It is imperitive that the Panthers win this game if they have any hopes of competing for a Big East title.

Pitt 17, Iowa 14

For more insight into Pitt Football and national sporting news, tune into my radio show on 92.1 WPTS-Pittsurgh.  It runs from 4:30-5:00 on Wednesday afternoons.  It can be found online at www.wpts.org.