Week 6: Pittsburgh at South Florida

The second week of Big East play. The second big league game.

After stumbling in Week 1 to Bowling Green, Pitt has reeled off three straight victories. No, the Panthers’ wins haven’t always been pretty – see last week’s 34-24 struggle against lowly Syracuse – but a ‘W’ in Tampa could make them one of the Big East teams to beat.

"It’s been a long time since we got a chance to play on national television with something on the line and we need to capitalize on it," said Pitt linebacker Scott McKillop.

Yes, Pittsburgh did destroy West Virginia’s shot at a national title game at the end of last season. But the Panthers still finished below .500 and were ineligible for a bowl berth.

South Florida, meanwhile, is trying to capitalize on its new Top 10 ranking. Last season, USF climbed to No. 2 in the polls before falling in mid-October to Rutgers.

"This is great for our fans," said Bulls coach Jim Leavitt, "but we as a team have to stay focused on Pitt."

Good idea. Ask West Virginia, which saw its spread completely shut down last season in Morgantown by McKillop and company.

South Florida, though, has a potent offense that’s averaging 36.4 points and 464.4 total yards. Quarterback Matt Grothe leads the Big East in total offense (278.5 yards) and passing (235).

Meanwhile, USF’s defense is ranked No. 1 in the league allowing but 243.8 yards a game.

The only question for the Bulls is whether standout defensive end George Selvie will play. He missed last Saturday’s 41-10 wipeout of North Carolina State that vaulted USF into the Top 10. Selvie (ankle) and nose tackle Terrell McClain (likewise an ankle), though, are both expected to see action. Linebacker Brouce Mompremier won’t play because of a neck injury.

Offensively, Pitt’s ace is tailback LeSean McCoy, who broke out a bit last week against Syracuse to top the 100-yard mark. In this game, though, quarterback Bill Stull will have to improve.

Notes:

Pittsburgh has made fourth-quarter comebacks to win its last two games, overcoming a 21-17 deficit to down Iowa 21-20 and erasing a 24-16 hole to rally past Syracuse 34-24.

South Florida is one of seven 5-0 teams nationally and one of just four teams to have won three road games so far this season.

The Panthers are one of eight teams nationally to have scored on all of their red-zone opportunities this season.

Key Player (Panthers) – Bill Stull, QB

In order to help spring runners LeSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens-Howling, Stull will have to play better than his 106.4 pass efficiency rating racked up so far. Stull is ranked seventh out of the eight Big East passers in the category.

Key Player (Bulls) – Mike Ford, RB

Ford, Moise Plancher and Ben Williams must keep Pittsburgh’s defense loose by effectively rushing the ball, thus opening the door for elusive QB Matt Grothe.

South Florida by 12