College Football Preview: Miami v Pitt In Pivotal Game

The million dollar question surrounding the upcoming clash between the Miami Hurricanes and the Pitt Panthers is this: Who is under more pressure to produce a victory - Miami's Randy Shannon or Pitt's Dave Wannstedt?

The Miami administration appreciates Shannon's firm grip over the program. They appreciate the fact that Coach Shannon doesn't tolerate the historic thug image of the program.

Miami fans have got to love the fact that the Canes will never be accused of padding their schedule with lightweights. The Canes have been willing to play anyone on the road. 

Miami is a popular team on the road. The university's controller, not the head coach nor the fans, may be the primary beneficiary. Miami needs all the cash it can find.

Miami fans don't appreciate Shannon's 22-18 record over the past three years. They especially don't appreciate his 12 road losses. So who was the sadist at the U who scheduled the Canes to be on the road for three straight contests this season?

Last week it was Ohio State. On Sept. 23 it's Pittsburgh. On Oct. 2 the Canes travel to South Carolina to face Clemson.

Before the season both Pitt and Miami were ranked. Pitt blew their ranking in the opening loss at Utah.

Between last Saturday and Sept. 23 the Canes must improve their passing game and avoid turnovers like the four errant balls Ohio State picked off in cruising to 36-24 win.

The Canes also must improve their focus and game preparation.

"The Canes Collapse Again" is a headline that barrels across the front pages of sports sections in Miami.

Shannon described what his team needed to improve upon as "first downs..time of possession..things like that."

Who will be 1-2 after the Panthers and Hurricanes meet?

The road is no easier for Pitt. After Miami the Panthers host lightweight Florida International on Oct. 2. The following week Pitt travels to South Bend to face the Irish, Wannstedt's biggest nonconference test of the season. 

Wannstedt is 1-2 versus Kelly.

Pitt can't give the Irish a second thought right now. To beat the Canes the Panthers must overcome a slew of problems.

First, Pitt's offensive line continues to be the team's Achilles Heel. Praised for opening up his offense and concocting a game plan to fool New Hampshire by passing more than running, Wannstedt was really masking his staff’s concerns about the O-line and running game by calling passing plays on the first nine snaps in the second half.

Then there are injuries to contend with. Left guard Chris Jacobson is nursing an injury he sustained in the New Hampshire game. Greg Romeus is still nursing a back injury. He is back in Florida now dealing with a family situation.

Added to the stresses of game preparation for a big time opponent coming to Heinz is the situation involving Jason Anthony Douglas, a 19-year old third string running back involved in a hit-and-run incident allegedly involving a pedestrian.

Douglas is bringing Wannstedt's team unwanted press coverage in what should be a dead week news wise for the Panthers.

Finally, there's Deon Lewis, touted to be a Heisman candidate this year. The sophomore running back has only gained 102 years on 35 carries through two games.

Wannstedt and Shannon became friends during Wannstedt's tenure in Miami as an assistant coach for the Canes and head coach of the Dolphins.

The pressure to win won't allow them time to commiserate. Shannon or Wannstedt faces the prospect of being 1-2 for the year. With difficult games in early October, the loser of Miami-Pitt could also end up 1-3.

Right now Miami, ranked #17, carries the deteriorating reputation of the ACC on its back. Pitt, ranked #26 in the  AP poll, is still viewed as the Big East's best team.

Perhaps that distinction doesn't mean much at this point in the season. Big East teams only have three victories over FBS opponents and there isn't a big name among the three. Beating Akron, Marshall, and Florida International won't quell the leagues critics.,

A Pitt victory over Miami would.