Panthers ready for Spartan’s challenge
The Panthers are off to their best start in three years after winning their first two games of the season. They will try to make it three wins in a row this Saturday at Heinz Field against Michigan State, which is also 2-0.
A win against the Spartans would mark Pitt’s best start in six years, when the 2000 season started at 4-0.
The teams have not played against each other since 1960 when they tied 7-7 with Mike Ditka scoring Pitt’s lone touchdown. Coach Dave Wannstedt realizes the Spartans from the Big Ten Conference will be a tall order.
“We know this will be by far our biggest challenge so far. They may be the biggest team we’ll face all year, especially their offensive line, which is massive,” Wannstedt said. “We’re also playing a team from a great conference, which contributes to them being a highly-respected opponent.”
Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads also respects the talent of Michigan State, especially starting quarterback Drew Stanton.
“He (Stanton) does a real good job of putting the ball where only his players can catch it,” Rhoads said. “They have a tight end that’s 6-7, and a wide receiver that’s 6-5, so if we don’t get pressure on Stanton and make him force his throws, we won’t have a chance to defend his receivers since they’re so tall.”
Pitt was expected to focus on the run game as its primary weapon under Wannstedt, but surprisingly, the run game has suffered this year, but the passing game has picked up the slack.
In the first two games, the Panthers designed their attack on the fly, based on what the opposition has tried to defend rather than try to force the issue, a mistake Wannstedt felt he might have made last year.
“Probably the biggest thing I learned from last year is not to focus too much on something that’s not working,” Wannstedt said. “We will certainly try to run, but if not, were not going to bag our passing game.”
One reason the passing game was not expected to be as successful as it has been is the youth of its receivers this year, but they rose to the occasion.
Kevin Kinder is ranked sixth in the country in yards per game, and Pitt is ranked second in the country in passing efficiency, much to Wannstedt’s delight.
“I would have thought Kevin (Kinder) would be a possession guy, not a deep threat, but after our first two games, he’s made plays and has become our deep threat,” Wannstedt said. “Tyler (Palko) has run our scheme very well, too. He’s playing with a lot of poise.”
Palko has six touchdown passes and only one interception through the first two games.
“I really don’t think our game plan will change since we’ve been throwing the ball well,” Palko said. “That’s not saying we don’t have a running game, but so far teams have been flooding the box with a couple of extra defenders, so that’s slowed down our running game, but it’s opened up our passing game.”
The fifth-year senior starter does not mind throwing the ball, though.
“I’m excited about our passing game, but know it can change according to what teams do against us,” Palko said. “We just need to continue to execute our game plan and play as a team if we expect to beat a team as good as Michigan State.”
NOTES: Starting running back LaRod Stephens-Howling and starting offensive lineman John Simonitis were hurt last game. Stephens-Howling did not make the trip and Simonitis was injured on the first offensive play in the last game. Both are expected to practice this week and resume play against Michigan State.
If Stephens-Howling cannot play, Shane Brooks will start in his place for the second straight game. Freshman Joe Thomas will start if Simonitis cannot play.
Freshman Dorin Dickerson is still listed as questionable. If he is able to play, he may see action at either running back or wide receiver.
The game was originally slated for 3:30 but was moved to noon due to conflicting with the Pittsburgh Pirate game the same evening. Both teams share the same parking lots.