Nervous about the Rutgers game? I am. It doesn’t matter that Pitt is 19-3 against them and has won the last 6.

I was starting to feel good about it. Thinking about how Pitt could exploit the Rutgers defense and shut down their offense. Now, I’m starting to worry that it will be another ugly Nebraska affair. It was reading the stories today.

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.
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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.”

In other words, Rutgers defense actually plays the correct style to beat Pitt’s offense. The O-line which hasn’t really shown any ability to pick up the blitz or slow down a D-line will be under continual pressure to protect Palko once more.

I’d like to type that it is just gamesmanship by Pitt coaches, to keep talking about being balanced on offense, and they are actually planning to exploit the Rutgers defense by stretching the field and provide Palko with some max protection. I don’t believe that however. I think they are being honest.

“We’ve got to be very, very balanced in what we do offensively to have a chance to move the ball,” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “We’ve got to be efficient in the red zone and we’ve got to be efficient on third down. That’s going to be the difference in this game.”
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“It’s important to get the running game on track,” Cavanaugh said. “We’re not good enough to be one-dimensional.”

The thing is, the running game is a little thin this week.

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.

Losing Stephens-Howling really hurts not just because of his production, but the whole change of pace he brings to the running game.

This is where I find real fault with Coaches Wannstedt and Cavanaugh and their offensive strategy. It’s the same thing we faulted Walt Harris. A stubbornness about doing things one way, and not taking full advantage of what the defense gives and their weaknesses. So wedded to the “system” and not making adjustments.

Rutgers with the upfront pressure is designed to help the weak secondary. There’s a reason their #1 and #3 leading tacklers are safeties. They are playing them closer to or in the box. Well, also poor tackling. Something Rutgers has claimed to be working on during their bye week.

Last year, when Pitt crushed Rutgers for Homecoming, Pitt was able to jump out quickly thanks to 4 picks thrown by Rutgers and picking apart their pass defense. This year, Rutgers has only one interception and one fumble in 3 games.

H.B. Blades — and his family — gets a puff piece as Rutgers Coach Schiano recalls his time in Miami.