PASSING NOTES ON GARDNER-WEBB

After a big win this past weekend, Pitt will host FCS opponent Gardner-Webb Saturday at 3:30PM on ESPN3.com.  We all know what happened the last time Pitt played an FCS team.  We want to forget that as soon as possible.  Now the Runnin’ Bulldogs are no Youngstown State, but caution must be taken. Pitt must come out focused and ready and pound on Gardner-Webb to keep their momentum going into the bye week.  All Pitt fans want to be reassured that the Virginia Tech game was not a one-time only thing and a sound thrashing will be just what the doctor ordered.

This one will be brief, as wedding plans are starting to take over.  The Bulldogs are 0-3 and play in the Big South Conference.  Their closest loss was a 21 point affair.  They give up a ton of yards on the ground, so Rushel Shell may have a field day.  The strengths of the team is experience on both the offensive and defensive line, so Pitt’s lines will have to pick up where they left off this past Saturday and be ready.

Overall the defense is not good for Gardner-Webb and the offense has not been very productive either.  When the Bulldogs have the ball, Sophomore Lucas Beatty will be under center.  He has 666 yards passing (sorry Lord, but it’s a fact that those are his numbers so far), 1TD and3 INTs.  He has also been sacked 3 times in each game. The running game is in flux, but Senior Kenny Little seems to be taking the load away from Sophomore Juanne Blount.  When Beatty goes to the air, there is no clear cut receiver, but the Bulldogs do have Sophomore TE Seth Cranfill and Sophomore WR Deonte Swinton.  Junior Richard Jules and Freshman Carlton Heard will also be part of the passing game.

Pitt must not miss the bus to the game in order to win this game.  Let me clarify that statement.  I don’t literally mean they can’t miss the bus…I mean they need to not overlook Gardner-Webb.  This game cannot be close!  Pitt must keep their momentum and continue to improve on last week’s performance.  A bad performance by the Panthers and all the negative thoughts from the fans will come right back.  I think Pitt continues to really pound the ball and I do think they come to Heinz Field focused and ready. Final score: Pitt - 49 Gardner Webb – 10.