The School:
Pitt Athletics:
While UB got allot of attention for the noble character of our 58 football team the Panthers took a similar stand in 1956 when they were invited to the sugar bowl and refused to play without fullback Bobby Grier. Unlike the 58’ tangerine bowl Pitts demand that their entire team play was heard, and accepted.
UB’s defense played well all night but Pitts ability to keep Starks and Roosevelt from making big plays and untimely mistakes were enough to keep UB from wining its first game against a BCS level opponent in six years (Rutgers 2002).
Whats Changed for them:
As if losing LeSean McCoy was not enough they lost his backup (LaRod Stephens-Howling) and their starting Fullback (Conredge Collins). For an offense whos only positive quality is its running game losing your entire backfield is going to make for a painful season. New coordinator Frank Cignetti (formerly of California) has a history for building up Quarterbacks so in the long run the panthers will probably run a more two dimensional offense, how much of that is going to show up this season is anybody's guess.
Losing Scott McKillop on defense is a big hit, but Pitt is returning the bulk of their very imposing front seven. This is one of the best defenses in the league and it will be the biggest test for UB during the regular season. If the line is going to be softer anywhere it will be up the middle where nose guard Rashaad Duncan leaves a vacancy. ng to show up this season is anybody's guess.
Why to be optimistic:
UB should come into this game with a stronger front seven than they have ever had. Though some experience is lacking in terms of size and speed this year’s unit could give fits to a Panthers offense that struggled last year when they were in a far better place at running back.
On the other side of the Ball Naaman Roosevelt has the potential for a big day against a Pitt defensive secondary which only survives because of the seven guys up front. Pittsburgh lost free safety Eric Thatcher and is vulnerable to the vertical attack should Maynard be able to find the time and space to get him the ball.
Why to be pessimistic:
Breaking in a new line, in week two, against Pittsburgh would be bad enough but breaking in a new quarterback behind that line is a recipe for disaster. The running game will be able to relieve some of the pressure, they were respectable last year against the Panthers, but Maynard will be called on to make big third down passes against a defense that has a great outside pass rush.
There are few reasons to worry about our defense in this game, they are an improved unit from last year and Pittsburgh has no substantial improvements over their 2008 squad. Perhaps the only reason to worry most is Frank Cignetti who is gong to bring a different philosophy to the team and has had stunning success with quarterbacks in the past.
Game Category: (Pride Game)
While this game may be winnable it's not a game UB should count on having when Bowl selection time comes. If the new front seven UB has on defense are everything we expect them to be they may keep us in the game, But Asking Maynard and the offense to exceed what the Bulls did last year may prove too tall task.
Prediction:
Pittsburgh 24 - Buffalo 14
Who will win week 2 |