Here is the official game thread for the game tonight. The predictions are in the record book and we start in about one hour.
There are a lot of things to look for but for me two things are key; how do the QBs play and can our CBs stay in man one-on-one coverage against a better passing attack and hold their own?
Let’s hear your thoughts….
LINK (PDF): Pitt Game Notes (Iowa)
GAME STORYLINES
- Pitt continues non-conference play this week when it travels to face Big Ten foe Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. The Panthers and Hawkeyes are both 2-0 and looking to continue their early season momentum. Pitt is coming off a 24-7 victory at Akron, while Iowa defeated rival Iowa State, 31-17.
- Close calls and fourth-quarter drama have ruled recent Pitt-Iowa series history. In the past three meetings, the average margin of victory has been three points. The Hawkeyes rallied from double-digit deficits to win each of the past two games, 31-27 in 2011 and 24-20 in 2014. The Panthers won in 2008, 21-20.
- The Panthers are seeking a 3-0 start for the second consecutive year and fourth time since 2000. Pitt previously opened a season with three victories in 2000, 2009 and 2014. Those quick starts ultimately resulted in bowl invitations in each of those years.
- Although only two games into the season, Pitt’s play on defense has been very encouraging. The Panthers boast national top 25 rankings in quarterback sacks (fourth, 4.50 sacks/game), third-down defense (10th, 19%), total defense (20th, 258.5 yds./game) and rush defense (22nd, 88.0 yards/game).
- The Panthers have nine sacks in two games. Last year Pitt had only 19 sacks in 13 games.
- With All-America tailback James Conner out for the year due to injury, Pitt is relying on a youthful backfield to carry the running game.
- Redshirt freshman Qadree Ollison and true frosh Darrin Hall combined for 133 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries in the Akron victory. A week prior, Ollison rushed for 207 yards in just two quarters of play against Youngstown State.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
