Improved Pitt Beats New Hampshire But Shows Vulnerabilities Miami Could Exploit

The icky karma bug infested Blacksburg yesterday and missed Heinz Field altogether as the Panthers wore down undermanned, nationally ranked FCS New Hampshire 38-16.

Pitt is now 9-0 all time against FCS competition.

Even though the Pitt offense wasn't as sharp as Pitt fans hope it will be, the Pitt defense shut down the Wildcats' high-powered spread and held them to 73 yards rushing on 35 attempts.

Best of all, Dave Wannstedt internalized the criticism he received from fans and press after a conservative game plan against Utah. The 'Stache mixed it up before 50,000 fans yesterday and relied on the passing game for the win.

Overall, Pitt offensive attack showed improvement gaining 298 yesterday after posting 266 at Utah.

Ray Graham became the new star running back for Pitt. The backup ran for 115 yards and two scores. His two touchdowns in the second half sealed a pivotal win for the Panthers. He had missed the Utah game with an injury.

Star receiver Jonathan Baldwin didn't bring down the house but his 100 yards receiving from six catches helped the Panthers dominate the Wildcats.

Quarterback Sal Sunseri, starting for only the second time, epitomized Wannstedt's excellent game plan by throwing two touchdown passes in a span of five minutes.

Pitt showed improvement and continuing problems.

The Panthers' third down efficiency improved from 30 percent against Utah to 47 percent yesterday.

After two games Pitt is averaging 73 yards in penalties. 

Pitt's usual workhorse, Dion Lewis, had another iffy game where he was held to 27 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. His season total of 102 yards in two games is not All-American material.

Pitt's punt game backtracked. Last Thursday the Panthers averaged 44.5 yards per punt but managed just 35 yesterday.

The Miami Hurricanes visit Heinz Field on Thursday, Sept. 23. Will the Panthers be able to shut down the 'Canes air attack?

Will the Pitt secondary be able to match the performance of Ohio State's? The Bucks intercepted Miami quarterback Jacory Harris four times.

Will Pitt's special teams contain the 'Canes kick return squad which surprised Ohio State for two scores yesterday?  Pitt's vulnerabilities on special teams were on display in last year's 45-44 loss to Cincinnati.

Will Wannstedt improve his dismal record after a break? The Panthers are off this Saturday.

You've got to give the Panthers credit for tough scheduling to open this season.

The opening five games of Pitt's 2010 schedule provide little rest. After Miami, the Panthers catch Florida International at home before traveling to Notre Dame on October 9. Florida International gave Rutgers a rough game yesterday before losing 19-14.

Wannstedt's young team is improving but will the pace be fast enough to hang with the explosive 'Canes in a historic contest?

Miami is traveling to Pittsburgh as part of the ACC's settlement with the Big East after the 2003 raid.  Although a regular on Pitt's schedule since the 1950s, Miami disappeared after its 2003 win at Heinz Field. That 28-14 'Cane victory assured Miami, not Pitt, of a 2004 Orange Bowl invite.

The Sept. 23 game will be the last time Pitt and Miami meet for the foreseeable future. The dislike these two schools have for one another goes far beyond the football field.