B. DANIELS vs. B. STULL
Pittsburgh quarterback Bill Stull is completing almost 67 percent of his passes this season and has a passer rating of 159.4 that ranks seventh in the country. Daniels struggled a week ago, completing less than 50 percent of his passes. However, Daniels gives the Bulls an effective rusher while Stull gives the Panthers a composed presence in the pocket.
E. SCHWARTZ vs. D. HUTCHINS
Walk-on kicker Eric Schwartz hit a 50-yard field goal against Cincinnati, earning him the kicking duties, according to coach Jim Leavitt. Schwartz is 3-for-6 while Pittsburgh’s Dan Hutchins is 8-for-10. With two of the best teams in the Big East matched up, field goals could be a factor.
DEFENSE vs. D. LEWIS
Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis, a 5-foot-8 freshman, ranks third in the country with 131 rushing yards per game. He already has four 100-yard games, including 180 against Rutgers last week. USF ranks first in the Big East in total defense but seventh in rush defense. Defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said this week that Lewis will be the best back the Bulls have seen all year.
– Staff report
