South Florida vs Pittsburgh Preview

It's not wise for sportswriters to trot out an old, tired, worn cliché at every opportunity. On some occasions, though, a familiar construct fits the bill. Such is the case for a Big East battle with box office appeal.

This weekend's upcoming collision between the South Florida Bulls and the Pittsburgh Panthers rates as a legitimate pairing of an irresistible force against an immovable object. That analogy isn't creative or original, but it accurately characterizes the contrast in styles presented by Jim Leavitt's lineup and Dave Wannstedt's roster.

The irresistible force, on both sides of the ball, is South Florida. The Bulls fly around the field with a considerable compliment of speed. On defense, Jason Pierre-Paul and George Selvie have become bookend pass-rushing pals who regularly beat offensive tackles and collapse the pocket, trapping helpless signal callers in the process. USF's defensive front doesn't rely on humongous space-eaters or slobber knocking run-stuffers; the Bulls win up front by zooming, zigging and zagging past lead-footed offensive linemen.

On offense, USF quarterback B.J. Daniels--who has demonstrated an ability to scramble for extended stretches, sometimes avoiding pass rushers three separate times on a single play--is the kind of quarterback who can neutralize a stout and sturdy defensive line. Normally, defensive fronts don't want to be moved around, but Daniels is precisely the kind of elusive figure--an Energizer Bunny in helmet and pads--who could quickly frustrate the an accomplished assemblage of ends and tackles.

Pittsburgh, then, plays the role of the immovable object. This parade of Panthers has flexed its muscles in recent weeks, slamming the door shut on Connecticut in an overwhelming fourth-quarter flurry on Oct. 10, and then rolling over Rutgers in a brawny and bruising performance on Oct. 16. On defense, Pitt's front four of Greg Romeus, Gus Mustakas, Myles Caragein, and Jabaal Sheard are bull-rushing (pun not intended with respect to South Florida's nickname) and bulldozing overmatched offensive linemen. They do figure to get pressure on Daniels, but if the USF signal caller can elude Pitt's first line of defense, a lot of running lanes could open up, and the calculus of this contest could shift in a heartbeat. Pittsburgh might prove to be immovable on defense, but if Daniels moves around enough before any blue-shirted defenders get to him, it could be long day at Heinz Field for the home team.

On offense, the Panthers would witness a similar dynamic. South Florida's pass rush is swift and substantial, but if Pitt's pure power can hold Selvie and Pierre-Paul at bay, Panther quarterback Bill Stull could light up the skies of the Steel City. More specifically, Stull could get the ball to uber-receiver Jonathan Baldwin, a tall and rangy standout who has made loads of big plays for Wannstedt all season long.

It's all so simple: Can South Florida's relentless speed leave Pittsburgh's lunch-pail practitioners in pronounced peril? Or, will the Panthers pulverize their feisty and fleet-footed foes from the Sunshine State? If you think that opposites attract, you should see a very sexy showdown this Saturday.

Talk about your box office buzz.

> Find a great selection of USF hats & apparel and more online along with Big East football jerseys from Big East Fans partner sites.

By Matt Zemek
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer