Much of the public is hammering away at Cincinnati especially considering Pittsburgh lost to an FCS foe last week at Youngstown State. For one Youngstown caught a break as the Panthers had no depth on defense especially along the defensive line as Paul Chryst sent a message by suspending 6 players a week ago. This is a completely different Pittsburgh team than a year ago and in a good way as they get back to their roots of running and setting up the pass. Cinci has their own issues as they lost so many stars on offense and defense and have 60 1st and 2nd year players on the roster. The quick turn around for Pitt is a good thing in this case after losing to an FCS foe and having revenge for last years meeting with Cinci. Pitt also got a warm up against a spread offense that should only benefit them tonight.
Paul Chryst was the OC for Wisconsin the last 6 years so he was a perfect fit for a Pitt team that perennially would run the ball and they will be running behind a more balanced offense and an offensive line thatâs huge and returns 4 upper classmen and 1 sophomore who all have starting experience. Ray Graham looked good returning from injury and has the potential to be the best running back in the conference again, but he shares that role with Isaac Bennett who also looks good and Tino Sunseri will benefit from the balanced attack the most along with the talent at WR in Devin Street. Sunseri was sacked a ton last year running the hurry up offense and heâll benefit from the move. Itâs also important to note that the entire middle of Cinciâs defense is gone as well as their top pass rusher Derek Wolfe.
The Bearcats lost everyone up the middle and I think Pitt can find a lot of success running the ball tonight. Passing the ball could be a success to as Cinci allowed 260 yards passing per game and Pitt has the experience and talent to do both. On the flip side Pittâs secondary is in good shape and theyâll be able to cheat more to stop the run especially with Munchie Legaux starting at QB. Legaux only completed 47.4% of his passes last year and has yet proven he can be an efficient QB. Either way both teams are still trying to figure out a lot on defense, but Pitt will have the advantage having a warm up game and more discipline following the embarrassing loss and the suspensions.
