Pittsburgh Panthers @ Utah Utes Football Preview

Matchups between quality teams are becoming a rarity in college football; when that matchup also provides a clear contrast in styles as well, that game becomes even more compelling. Such is the case with Pittsburgh and its opening-week trip to face Utah. The Utes have become famous for their innovative spread-option attack featuring dual-threat quarterbacks, four and five wide receivers at a time, and virtually anyone who can carry the ball on any play. On the other hand, there’s Pittsburgh. Under Dave Wannstedt’s NFL influence, the Panthers execute a powerful, pro-style and run-oriented offensive attack. While their styles clash, both teams are equally effective.

After LeSean McCoy left early for the NFL, many expected Pitt’s rushing attack to take a step backward in 2009. No one expected freshman Dion Lewis to explode onto the scene as he did in 2009 (1799 yards, 17 touchdowns). Lewis is back for more in 2010, and he’s not Pitt’s only weapon. Wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin is a huge target (6’5, 225 pounds), but don’t let his size fool you – he’s a deadly deep threat. Baldwin punishes any defense that tries to move men into the tackle box to stop Lewis. On the defensive side, Pitt might have the best defensive end duo in America in Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard. They make life hard on all opposing quarterbacks and give Pitt an excellent chance against Utah’s spread option attack. Sheard threw another man through a storefront window earlier this year, but Wannstedt – showing how much he wants to win this game at the cost of basic morals – did not suspend his defensive end for this game.

Jordan Wynn was an unknown quantity at quarterback for Utah heading into the 2009 season. After taking over midseason in 2009, he has the starting job firmly in hand. Wynn is a difficult matchup for opposing defenses with his ability to run and pass. When Wynn doesn’t have the ball, the Utes can easily turn to their pair of talented running backs Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata, both of whom averaged over five yards per carry in 2009. Four returning starters along the offensive line give Utah a fighting chance to slow down Pitt’s dangerous defensive-end duo.

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It’s a tall order to ask a team with a redshirt freshman quarterback making his first start to win in a hostile environment on the road. It helps that Pitt surrounds Tino Sunseri with weapons like Baldwin and Lewis. Sunseri won’t be asked to win the game for the Panthers.

Utah’s running game disappeared against the best teams on its schedule in 2009 (BYU, Cal, TCU), and the Panthers have a better defensive front than any of those other Utah foes. The Panthers did struggle against spread-option teams last year, so their aggressive front will need to hold Utah’s offense in check. Otherwise, a season rich in promise for the Big East preseason favorite could very well turn sour.

By Matt Zemek
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer