Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pitt has scored 83 points and has thrown for roughly 700 yards in its past two meetings with Rutgers. And the Scarlet Knights' defense appears vulnerable again this year.
Rutgers has given up an average of 410 yards per game -- 273 through the air -- and have allowed an average of 5 yards per play.
Those numbers should have the Panthers (1-3) salivating over a big offensive game tomorrow when they play at Rutgers (2-1) in a prime-time Big East affair. But offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh believes one number tells a different story about the Scarlet Knights.
"They may give up yards, they don't give up a lot of points," he said. "And I don't think anyone around here is going to celebrate if we get a lot of yards and no points. Scoring is the key, and they do a good job of keeping you out of the end zone."
Teams have moved the ball between the 20s against Rutgers only to get stonewalled near the goal line. Rutgers is allowing 14 points per game, a number that includes the 33 it gave up to Illinois in an overtime loss to open the season.
In the two games since -- wins against Villanova and Buffalo -- the Scarlet Knights have allowed nine points.
The Scarlet Knights are susceptible to giving up yards because they bring a lot of pressure and play man coverage on the outside receivers. When they don't get to the quarterback, the opponent has an opportunity for a big play by exploited a one-on-one matchup.
Quarterback Tyler Palko said the Panthers have success against Rutgers because they been able to pick up the blitzes and make big plays in the passing game.
However, that was in a system under Walt Harris that emphasized the passing game and utilized different blocking schemes with maximum protection. This year's offense has more emphasis on shorter passes and a power running game.
"Coach Harris obviously knows how to throw the ball, and I think we did a good job of exploiting their weaknesses with our passing game," Palko said. "It was just a combination of the scheme we had and I think our previous offense kind of confused them. It will be different this year because we don't know how they'll react to this new offense and the things we do."
Palko said the Panthers have used the Scarlet Knights' aggressiveness against them in the past and expects a similar approach tomorrow. But don't expect the Panthers will revert back to the pass-happy outfit they were for the past eight seasons.
"We have to stay balanced," Palko said. "That's a pretty boring answer, but you have to be able to mix it up, especially with teams that like to pressure so much. We were able to hit some big plays and score on them when they are in man coverage, but the downside to facing man coverage is, when they get to the quarterback they can force bad decisions, and that usually means the turnovers come and the points go the other way."
Quick slants
Tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling (ankle) missed his third consecutive practice and is doubtful for tomorrow. Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said he will be a game-time decision, but generally players who haven't practiced during the week have been held out. ... Marcus Furman (ankle) is out and Brandon Mason (ankle) is doubtful. Rashad Jennings (shoulder), though, has practiced the past two days and is probable. Tim Murphy (shoulder) returned to practice as well and could share time at tailback with Ray Kirkley and Jennings and at fullback with Kellen Campbell. ... Linebacker Clint Session (knee) will miss the game. Sophomore Adam Gunn (Kiski Area) will replace him.
Pitt has scored 83 points and has thrown for roughly 700 yards in its past two meetings with Rutgers. And the Scarlet Knights' defense appears vulnerable again this year.
Rutgers has given up an average of 410 yards per game -- 273 through the air -- and have allowed an average of 5 yards per play.
Those numbers should have the Panthers (1-3) salivating over a big offensive game tomorrow when they play at Rutgers (2-1) in a prime-time Big East affair. But offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh believes one number tells a different story about the Scarlet Knights.
"They may give up yards, they don't give up a lot of points," he said. "And I don't think anyone around here is going to celebrate if we get a lot of yards and no points. Scoring is the key, and they do a good job of keeping you out of the end zone."
Teams have moved the ball between the 20s against Rutgers only to get stonewalled near the goal line. Rutgers is allowing 14 points per game, a number that includes the 33 it gave up to Illinois in an overtime loss to open the season.
In the two games since -- wins against Villanova and Buffalo -- the Scarlet Knights have allowed nine points.
The Scarlet Knights are susceptible to giving up yards because they bring a lot of pressure and play man coverage on the outside receivers. When they don't get to the quarterback, the opponent has an opportunity for a big play by exploited a one-on-one matchup.
Quarterback Tyler Palko said the Panthers have success against Rutgers because they been able to pick up the blitzes and make big plays in the passing game.
However, that was in a system under Walt Harris that emphasized the passing game and utilized different blocking schemes with maximum protection. This year's offense has more emphasis on shorter passes and a power running game.
"Coach Harris obviously knows how to throw the ball, and I think we did a good job of exploiting their weaknesses with our passing game," Palko said. "It was just a combination of the scheme we had and I think our previous offense kind of confused them. It will be different this year because we don't know how they'll react to this new offense and the things we do."
Palko said the Panthers have used the Scarlet Knights' aggressiveness against them in the past and expects a similar approach tomorrow. But don't expect the Panthers will revert back to the pass-happy outfit they were for the past eight seasons.
"We have to stay balanced," Palko said. "That's a pretty boring answer, but you have to be able to mix it up, especially with teams that like to pressure so much. We were able to hit some big plays and score on them when they are in man coverage, but the downside to facing man coverage is, when they get to the quarterback they can force bad decisions, and that usually means the turnovers come and the points go the other way."
Quick slants
Tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling (ankle) missed his third consecutive practice and is doubtful for tomorrow. Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said he will be a game-time decision, but generally players who haven't practiced during the week have been held out. ... Marcus Furman (ankle) is out and Brandon Mason (ankle) is doubtful. Rashad Jennings (shoulder), though, has practiced the past two days and is probable. Tim Murphy (shoulder) returned to practice as well and could share time at tailback with Ray Kirkley and Jennings and at fullback with Kellen Campbell. ... Linebacker Clint Session (knee) will miss the game. Sophomore Adam Gunn (Kiski Area) will replace him.
