UConn has had a bye week and before that, a 1-AA game with Rhode Island. In other words, they have had time to rest and prepare.
Despite the time to get well, they do have some key injuries. Zach Frazer was the starting QB, but he is still out. Cory Endres — a Washington, PA native that might get mentioned here or there — has seen plenty of action this season. He did not get named the official starter for the game until yesterday. UConn coach Randy Edsall is notorious for his Belichekian approach to sharing info on his team. So, watch for Frazer to show up at some point since other reports say he might be ready for the game.
The real injury issues for UConn is at linebacker. Scott Lutrus is their best linebacker and he is likely out as he continues to try and come back from a stinger. Another linebacker — not a starter — Kijuan Dabney had season ending shoulder surgery. They’re a little thin at linebacker spot.
The lack of depth at linebacker means they need more production right up front from the D-line. Especially from defensive end Lindsey Witten.
On the Pitt injury side, it’s a big one in special teams as kick returner (and some punts) Cameron Saddler is out with an ankle sprain. That’s been a big thing for the offense. Saddler’s returns have been giving Pitt great field position. That means Antwuan Reed and Aundre Wright will get shots. Elijah Fields’ ankle sprain is not as bad, so he should play. I expect Jared Holley to see more action, though, to spell him.
The theme from the Pitt side is that this should be a significant challenge for the offense.
“So, from an offensive standpoint, this will be by far, and I use the word far, our biggest offensive challenge of the year. These guys are playing extremely well. They’ve got talent. They’re well-coached. We’re going to have to play our best game on offense; both run and pass from an execution standpoint.”
Connecticut’s defensive numbers are impressive as they are rank third in the Big East Conference in scoring defense (15 ppg), first in total defense (232.2 ypg), first in rushing defense (68 ypg) and second in pass defense (164.2 ypg).
Also, linebacker Lawrence Wilson is second in the conference in tackles (10.5 per game), defensive end Lindsey Witten leads the conference in sacks (8) and is second in tackles for losses (4.5) and cornerback Robert McClain leads the conference with three interceptions.
Wannstedt said that the Huskies are similar to the Panthers in that their defense is designed to stop the run while also not allowing the big passing plays.
One difference between the two is that while Connecticut also plays a 4-3 up front, it plays a little more zone coverage in the secondary than the Panthers do.
Looking over the chat by Courant’s beat writer, his observations suggest a mirror image defense. A strong D-line that masks a shakier secondary. So, the goal of their defense to control the pass is get pressure on Stull. Make him move in the pocket and keep him from setting his feet.
Something that makes sense. It dates back to last year, that when Stull did not have set feet and being able to step into the throw his accuracy and velocity suffered greatly.
Of course, the counter-argument is that Stull is playing much better and with more confidence.
“Bill is playing extremely well right now,” coach Dave Wannstedt said. “If he was a freshman or a sophomore, I would probably have a concern right now — a young kid having some success. But he’s been here five years. He’s truly experienced both sides of the street.”
Stull has competed 66.4 percent of his passes (77 for 116) for 988 yards with 11 touchdowns and one interception this season. He already has thrown as many touchdowns this year as the rest of his previous three years combined.
He’s even saying the right things.
“It’s great to have all that stuff,” he said. “It’s a tribute to my teammates.”
Wannstedt credits Stull’s improvement to an offensive system that eliminates “overthinking” and the motivation provided by Sunseri’s push for playing time.
“I think the competition … has created a sense of urgency with Billy,” Wannstedt said. “He wants to keep the starting job. He knows if he goes out and he plays poorly and turns it over, he’s not going to start. That’s a great motivation.”
Lots of credit to the offense and the way it is being run by OC Frank Cignetti. Not just taking shots downfield, but using the playmakers as more than decoys.
“We talk about Billy Stull growing up as a player and as a man,” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “But Dorin’s done the same thing. You have to give him a lot of credit.”
Baldwin has one less reception than Dickerson, but he is averaging 22.8 yards per reception and has caught a touchdown pass of more than 70 yards in each of the past two games.
Dickerson, who had two touchdowns against Louisville, said the Panthers’ passing game is in great hands with Stull.
“We’re just getting started, we definitely have a lot more of [the passing game] to show,” Dickerson said. “It has been great to see our offense get tougher to defend every week.”
And fun to watch.
As a side note to Dickerson, this puts that drop in the NC State game in the realm of quite excusable.
One of the knocks on Dickerson, fair or not, was that he was a little “soft” but he played this game with a broken nose and chipped tooth after the hit he took last week in the endzone trying to make a play to tie the game.
What makes moments where a player actually does the big play despite the pain spectacular is the fact that it rarely happens. I, for one, am not going to say he should have made the play when something like that happens.
