Football: Panthers looking to avoid getting trapped by Buffalo

The term “trap game” is often tossed around when a team from a traditionally superior… The term “trap game” is often tossed around when a team from a traditionally superior conference goes on the road to play a program that is irrelevant in the national scene.

With that in mind, Pitt (1-0) at Buffalo (1-0) seems like the perfect scene for unexpected disaster.

However, the Panthers have been down this road before. Coach Dave Wannstedt knows that playing a Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent at home or on the road can be difficult. Losses to Bowling Green last year and Ohio University in 2005 have taught him as much.

Those results, combined with Buffalo’s determined performance in a 26-17 loss at Heinz Field last season, should be enough to get the Panthers’ attention. Wannstedt discussed the challenges that Buffalo presents during a press conference on Tuesday.

“They’re playing with a lot of confidence right now,” he said. “They had a big win on the road at [Texas-El Paso] last weekend. We know that this is a huge game for them up there.”

While this might be a normal out-of-conference game for Pitt, Buffalo is ready to make a national statement on the heels of its MAC Championship victory last season.

“I think we’ve done some things that have established our program [so] we are to be reckoned with,” Buffalo coach Turner Gil said. “We can compete against anybody. We play to win, so I anticipate us to play well and for us to win the ball game.”

Wannstedt indicated that he has discussed the importance this game holds for the Bulls with his own players.

“Our guys need to be aware of the environment we’re going into. They know that we’re facing a good football team. We’re not going to be surprised by anything,” Wannstedt said.

Part of Pitt’s preparation is constructing a game plan to account for standout wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt. Last week, Roosevelt caught five passes, including a 42-yard touchdown reception.

“He’ll be as talented of a receiver as we’ll face all year long. He has the speed, the size, and he’s got good hands to go with it,” Wannstedt said. “He’s not a secret, and they’ll get the football to him.”

On the other side, Gil had high praise for Pitt’s defense. In particular, Gil highlighted the defensive front of Greg Romeus, Jabaal Sheard, Gus Mustakas and Mick Williams.

“They probably will be the best defense that we face this year,” Gil said. “The front seven might be the best we’re going to face.”

Pitt’s defense will test sophomore quarterback Zach Maynard, who went 12-of-19 with a touchdown during his first start. Maynard also possesses the ability to make plays with his feet, a skill that other quarterbacks have used to find success against the Panthers in the past.

One player who Pitt won’t need to prepare for is senior running back James Starks. During their last meeting, Starks rushed for 97 yards on 20 carries. This year, a labrum tear in his shoulder has prematurely ended Starks’ career.

Attempting to replace Starks’ production is junior Brandon Thermilus and senior Mario Henry. Together the two backs combined for 134 yards on 36 carries and two touchdowns against El Paso.

As for the Pitt running game, freshman Dion Lewis gets his first opportunity to run the ball in a hostile environment. While Lewis impressed in his debut with 129 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, he won’t have the luxury of competing against Football Championship Subdivision teams, like Youngstown State, anymore this season.

Three of the Panthers’ next four games are away from Heinz Field. Traveling was a strength of the team last season, as it went 5-1 on the road, losing only to eventual Big East champion Cincinnati.

“We were a pretty good road team last year,” Wannstedt said. “If you’re going to be a good football team, you’re going to have to deal with not just the adversity, but the variables that go into traveling.”

If Pitt hopes to have continued success away from home, it will have to avoid becoming a signature victory for a football program trying to make a name for itself. The Bulls appear eager for the chance to gain recognition by knocking Pitt off.

“We’re going to have a fantastic challenge,” Gil said. “We’re actually looking forward to it.”