The Pitt Panthers will have one last chance to right the ship before they face the best in the Big East when they entertain the Navy Midshipmen Wednesday night.
Despite being outplayed in the last three games, the Panthers (2-3) are still optimistic they can get back to .500 and compete in the conference.
"When you turn on ESPN, you never see Pitt on there, so this is a chance for us to really make a name for ourselves,” Pitt sophomore corner Aaron Berry said. “(And) a win against Navy can bring us right back up. So, I feel that's what we're going to do.''
Berry and the Pitt defense will have to stop the triple-option attack of the Midshipmen if they hope to come away with a victory.
Averaging 348 yards per game, the Navy rushing offense ranks No. 1 in the nation. This is the fourth time in six seasons under head coach Paul Johnson that they rank as the top rushing attack in Division I college football.
The Navy is led by quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and slot back Reggie Campbell.
Kaheaku-Enhada’s 78-yard run late in the fourth quarter against Air Force sprung his team to a 31-20 victory, and Campbell is one of the main threats in Navy’s system.
The Pitt defense ranks No. 9 in total defense (268.4 ypg) and No. 27 in rushing defense (111.0 ypg). Pitt has not allowed a single 100-yard rusher this season, and comes into the game having posted strong performances against Michigan St. and Virginia on the ground.
Javon Ringer and Cedric Peerman, two of the leading rushers in their respective conferences, were held below their season averages for yards and yards per carry in their contests with the Panthers.
“They are real dangerous. They are explosive,” said Navy coach Paul Johnson about the Pitt defense. “They have some good skill on offense and…you don't get to be 10th in the country on defense after five games unless you are doing something right. They have some good players. It will be a challenge for us.”
The biggest issue for the Panthers this season has been their inability to score points and be consistent on offense. Pitt ranks no higher than No. 79 in any major offensive category, and has been plagued by turnovers and penalties.
The Panthers have also switched quarterbacks and reshuffled their offensive line on almost a weekly basis, leading to inconsistency all over the field.
The offense, led by freshman Pat Bostick and LeSean McCoy, may have their best chance to break out this week against a Navy defense that is less than spectacular itself. Navy’s defense ranks near the bottom of Division I in several categories, including passing defense (No. 107), total defense (No. 104), and scoring defense (31.40 ppg).
Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said that the key for the Panthers is to play well in the running and passing game, and to not waste opportunities against the Navy defense.
“In order for us to win this game, we're going to have to score 28 points, and we're not going to do that totally o
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