Despite of heading into Saturday night’s road test at Iowa with a 2-0 record, the Pitt Panthers face an array of questions as they prepare for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa also comes into the game undefeated, and has beaten the Panthers in their past two meetings, including last season’s 24-20 comeback win at Heinz Field.
Who has the edge this time around?
Let’s take a look.
When: Saturday, 8:00 pm EST
Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
Watch: Big Ten Network
Spread: Iowa (-5.5)
Series History: 3-3 overall
Last meeting: Sept. 20, 2014 (Iowa won 24-20)
Keys for Pitt (2-0, 0-0 ACC):
1. Keep pressure off Pitt QB’s-Much of the discussion this week has revolved around who will be the signal caller for the Panthers against the Hawkeyes. Will it be incumbent starter Chad Voytik or will it be graduate transfer Nate Peterman? According to head coach Pat Narduzzi, both will play, and whoever is under center needs to be protected against an Iowa pass rush that has produced nine sacks in their first two games.
Couple that with a Pitt offensive line that has given up seven sacks and this could be a key to who gets the edge. Both QB’s have some skills that compliment each other; Voytik is mobile while Peterman seems to be a little more skilled as a passer. Each will need to play much better than they have through two weeks if the Panthers are going to win.
2. Don’t get down big early-Winning at Kinnick Stadium is never an easy task, and with Pitt dealing with QB issues along with growing pains on defense, it won’t get any easier. It be crucial for the Panthers to get off to a good start and not let the crowd take over the game. Pitt is not equipped to win a shootout, and is unlikely to make up a large deficit if they get off to a poor start.
3. Create turnovers on defense, make splash plays in the return game-In a game that could end up being low scoring and tight to the vest, the ability for the Panthers to create turnovers and win the special teams match up could be huge. Narduzzi has talked about defense playing fast and making more plays, and after limiting Akron to three points and well under 200 yards in total offense, another strong performance would be huge.
Avonte Maddox is due for a huge play in the return game–This might be the night.
Keys for Iowa (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten):
1. Beathard needs to be a difference maker-Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard earned Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week after his game changing performance against in-state rival Iowa State. Beathard was able to do damage with his arm (15 for 25, 215 yards, 3 TD’s) and legs (77 yards rushing) while leading the Hawkeyes to a 31-17 comeback victory in Ames.
Beathard has an “it” quality at the position, often making key plays in big spots and willing his team to success. No player has more of a chance to be a difference maker than Beathard, and if he has a similar performance to the one he had against the Cyclones, Iowa will be in position to get their third straight win.
2. Continue stout play against the run-Despite of losing All-American running back James Conner, Pitt still has a stable of running backs capable of doing damage on the ground. Quadree Ollison currently is seventh in the NCAA in rushing yards, while Chris James is expected to be back from injury while true freshman Darrin Hall made an impact against Akron rushing for 52 yards.
Iowa has been tremendous against the run to this point, giving up a grand total of 98 yards rushing through two games. Granted, Pitt should be more of a challenge, but the Hawkeyes will look to continue this impressive work on rush defense.
3. Don’t let Tyler Boyd beat you-Tyler Boyd will be the best player on the field Saturday night. It will be a big test for the Iowa defense attempting to contain him, but with quarterback issues and the Panther’s struggling to find other options at receiver, the job might be a little easier. If Boyd has a big game, it could mean trouble for the Hawkeyes.
Prediction: This will be a huge road test for the Panthers. Unfortunately issues at quarterback, inexperience on defense and having to deal with Beathard might be the difference and stop the Panthers from going 3-0. Iowa 27 Pitt 20
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire/USA Today
