Pitt Panthers Can't Hide on Monster Weekend

This Saturday, when Ohio State hosts Miami and Pitt's former in-state rival from the past travels to Alabama, Dave Wannstedt is hoping his team can disappear for one weekend when playing a FCS opponent.

Think again.

A Panther victory is expected. No FBS team is supposed to lose to a FCS squad. 

A Panther loss to New Hampshire will make big headlines.

Of course, ask Mississippi last week how it feels to do exactly that. Or ask a quarter of the ACC in the opening weeks of the 2009 football season. Of course, living on in perpetuity is the Michigan loss to Appalachian State in Lloyd Carr's last season.

Pitt should win tomorrow, but there are concerns.

Anyone who has followed Pitt football under Wannstedt knows he is capable of doing a lousy coaching job any time—including games against weaker opponents, like the Ohio game in 2005 or the Bowling Green game in 2008.

New Hampshire is a lot like the Furman team Pitt had to take to OT to beat in 2004. Both FCS squads are characterized by their explosiveness on offense and sheer strength overall. New Hampshire has not lost to an FBS team in five tries.

Pitt is experiencing injury problems, which probably accounts for Wannstedt's refusal to provide injury information to the Big East press office as required by the conference.

Greg Romeus will be out with nagging back injuries. Although he was on the field for 50 snaps last week, he is fatigued and in a great deal of pain this week.

The defensive line was supposed to be the strength of this team, but with new players in unfamiliar positions, the line could struggle against New Hampshire's spread.

The Pitt defense leading the nation in sacks this season? Doesn't seem likely.

Brandon Lindsey is likely going to be the player who subs for Romeus. He has the most experience of the reserve ends.

That would mean senior Nate Nix and redshirt sophomore Shayne Hale would move up on the depth chart. Justin Hargrove, after excelling in practices, would advance in the lineup. 

Plus, as Wannstedt's teams have always done, Pitt's defense allowed the big play against Utah.

The Wildcats have been most effective when passing the ball out of their spread offense. In Saturday’s 33-3 season-opening win over Central Connecticut State, UNH focused on the run and in the end had 313 of its 410 total yards on the ground.

The Wildcats scored 26 of their 33 points in the first half. 

The New Hampshire defense scored in the second half on an interception return. Last week's performance showed diversity with the Wildcats scoring on offense, defense, and special teams.

New Hampshire is accustomed to beating the big boys, yet Pitt does present the Wildcats' their biggest FBS challenge yet.

All signs point to a Pitt win, but if the Panthers go up big early, they are at risk of losing this one. Remember, Wannstedt's teams rarely put anyone away. Think about North Carolina State and Cincinnati last year. If the game is tight all the way through, Pitt should prevail. New Hampshire is very good, but they are no WVU. 

Prediction: Pitt 27, New Hampshire 17