This Saturday, Pitt hits the road for the first time in 2008 as they travel to the Carrier Dome to take on a beleaguered Syracuse program that is 8-31 under fourth year head coach Greg Robinson.  The Orange are coming off their first win of the season, a 30-21 victory over FCS Northeastern.  Their record sits at 1-3, with double digit losses to Norhwestern, Akron, and Penn St.  Syracuse fans are getting angry, and are calling for Robinson's head.  A little more fuel was added to the fire this week, with Athletic Director Darryl Gross saying that Robinson was not living up to expectations. 

Meanwhile, Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt's seat cooled just a bit with last weeks 21-20 nailbiting win over Iowa.  The win was Wannstedt's first after a bye week, and his first victory over a Big Ten foe in his three plus years leading the Panthers. 

For Pitt, this game has all of the makings of a trap game: coming off of a big win, into a venue that is known for being a tough place to play, against a historical rival with nothing left to lose.  This matchup has the ability to either help build, or wreck, the Panthers 2008 season.

When Pitt has the Ball

Against Iowa, Billy Stull had probably his worst game as a collegiate starter, completing only eleven of twenty-four attempts.  He did however run for a score.  He was aided on three drives by some of the best playcalling seen out of much maligned Offensive Coordinator Matt Cavanaugh.

Those drives were seen by many as a glimpse of what this offense could do if put in the right situation.  But on Pitt's other drives the offense was conservative and stagnant.

Shady McCoy continued to struggle through three quarters last week against a good Hawkeye defense, but he finally seemed to break out of his slump with a 27 yard touchdown run to secure the Panther victory. 

He looks to build on that play against a rather porous defense that has yet to allow under 30 points to an FBS opponent, going 0-3 in those games. With the right play calling, Pitt should have their way with the Orange defense.  Expect to see big gains for McCoy on the ground, and success through the air as Stull attempts to find Derek Kinder and the rest of his receivers early and often.

When Syracuse has the Ball

Through four games, the Syracuse offense has struggle to find the success that is necessary to win games.  Their quarterback play has been erratic as returning starter Andrew Robinson lost his job to dual threat Cameron Dantley.  Dantley hasn't done much on the ground as of yet, but he has the capability.  Since taking over the job, he has been fairly efficient throught the air, with five touchdowns to only two interceptions.  However, he has struggle to gain many yards through the air, only throwing for an average of 137 yards per game, six yards per attempt. 

Syracuse's offense is built for the run, and they have a very servicible back in Curtis Brinkley, who is averaging over five yards a carry and has scored three touchdowns.

The Pitt defense does not face a very great challenge from the Syracuse offense, which ranks near the bottom of FBS in most major offensive categories.  Pitt receives a boost with the long expected return of Will Linebacker Shane Murray, who is said to be near 100 percent. 

The Panther's front four should have a good day, getting to Dantley early and often, forcing mistakes and turnovers.

Special Teams

Pitt boasts the Big East Special Teams Player of the Week in Punter Dave Brytus, who had a great day against Iowa.  He had a 60 yard punt, as well as pinning the Hawkeyes inside their own one yard line with time running down in the fourth quarter. 

Kicker Connor Lee has not seen too much action thus far, but remains an excellent weapon.

The unit that has shined for Pitt is the kick and punt block teams, who boast at least one blocked kick in each of their first three games.  The Punt return team has been an issue though with returner Aaron Berry struggling to catch the ball and then find a seam.  Wannstedt however, gave Berry a vote of confidence, saying that he was the most consistent returner in practice.

Syracuse has a relible kicker in Patrick Shadle, who has connected on six field goals this season.  The Syracuse return team does not have a return touchdown, and does not appear to be a major threat. 

Here are some of the key questions that will determine Saturday's outcome

Will Pitt come out early and establish the line of scrimmage?

Will Pitt control the tempo of the game offensively?

Will Pitt win time of possession?

Can the Pitt defense get off the field on third down?

Will Syracuse play with fire, trying to save Robinson's job?

Can McCoy run for over 100 yards?

Will Pitt look past the Orange?

In all honesty, Syracuse is awful.  There is no excuse for Pitt to lose this game, especially if they fancy themselves among the elite in a bad Big East conference.  But they must play hard and approach this game like it's the biggest game of the season.  If not, Syracuse could surprise them on home turf.  This game is a must win.

Pitt 35, Syracuse 10

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