There are still puff pieces, profiles, leftovers from training camp to post, but let’s start easing into that Utah game that is closing faster and faster.

The match-ups are of particular interest. Especially where strengths and weaknesses make the coaches have to plan and think. In this case where both teams have match-up issues.

When Pitt is on offense the big concern is straight up the middle of the O-line with the center position (Alex Karabin) and right guard (Greg Gaskins). Left guard as well, is somewhat worrisome. Att least for the first couple games as Chris Jacobson gets settled. There is no concern at the tackle positions with Jason Pinkston and Lucas Nix.

Most of us will be watching the O-line very intently in that first game.

But how does Utah’s D-line match-up?

At tackle are [Sealver] Siliga and [Dave] Kruger, who are likely all-conference candidates this year. Siliga won an honorable mention all-conference last season while Kruger was a second-team freshmen All-American. Siliga and Kruger, who stand at 6-3 and 6-5 respectively, bring both the necessary speed and size to the line.

“We’re all about speed this year,” Kruger said. “It’s going to be crucial for us this year in winning games.”

Also debuting this year at defensive tackle is junior college transfer James Aiono. The top-rated junior college prospect in the nation in 2008, Aiono gained eligibility for the Utes only days ago.

The only positions on the defensive line that remain in serious question are the end positions. Left end starter [Derrick] Shelby is recovering from a knee injury that ended his season during last year’s game against TCU. He and senior Christian Cox are battling for the position.

“It’s dead even,” [defensive line coach John] Pease said.

Likely the rotation for the position will be determined based on Shelby’s knee recovery. It’s possible Shelby and Cox will rotate the position early in the season or Shelby will be slowly eased into the game as his knee allows.

“It’s important Shelby feels confident where he is with his knee,” Pease said. “We don’t want to rush anything.”

On the opposite side of the field, senior Junior Tui‘one and Kruger’s younger brother — freshman Joe Kruger — are in contention for right end following Misi’s departure to the NFL.

Both sides will look to press their advantages on the line while trying to minimize their weak spots.  Overall, it looks like an even match. They have an advantage on the D-line with their defensive tackles against the guards and center. Pitt has the advantage on the outside with its offensive tackles against the ends.

Obviously the linebackers and safeties will come into play for Utah, just as the tight ends and fullback will be a factor for Pitt. As an aside, is there any doubt that Henry Hynoski will be on the field for most of the game doing little more than blocking?

Even before starting to look at the Utes I had to believe that Pitt was going to look to run the ball on the outside and have Sunseri use his mobility to move around and roll out on pass plays. This only reinforces it.

I’m not saying Pitt won’t try to run straight ahead and Sunseri won’t be dropping straight back. Regardless of the offensive coordinator, this is still Coach Wannstedt’s team and he doesn’t abandon the staples.

If you believe the game is won along the lines, then the battle of Pitt’s O-line vs. Utah’s D-line really comes down to the game plans and adjustments. Both sides have positions of with superior players and experience to exploit.

Last word goes back to Utah’s D-line coach.

“Pitt has a sensational running game,” Pease said. “It’s going to be a knife fight in the ditch for these boys.”