Football: Pitt defense will need to play better to beat Navy

In the first two games of the season, the Panthers have blown out Youngstown State and… In the first two games of the season, the Panthers have blown out Youngstown State and Buffalo.

On Saturday, Pitt will face its toughest test to date as it hosts the Navy Midshipmen (1-1) at Heinz Field. Navy’s one loss was a 31-27 defeat against Ohio State to open the year. A win will give the Panthers a 3-0 record for the first time since 2000.

The Panthers cruised to a 42-21 victory over Navy in Annapolis last year behind LeSean McCoy’s 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns, but two years ago, Navy pulled the upset over the Panthers at Heinz Field, winning 48-45 in double overtime.

Navy’s 13 wins against BCS schools since 2003 is tied for first place for most wins by a non-BCS school over that span.

Defending the Navy Attack

Preparing for Navy’s unconventional offense is always a challenge for opposing coaches.

“They are different on offense because of the triple option,” Pitt coach Dave Wannestedt said. “The techniques of defending them are different from anyone else.”

The triple option is a running play where the quarterback can hand off to the fullback, run it himself, pitch it to a running back or run it and then pitch to a running back. It’s a play that Navy is known to primarily use.

Navy graduated three playmakers on offense with the departures of running backs Eric Kettani and Shun White and quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada.

“We know what outstanding players were there,” Wannestedt said. “Even though they have a couple of new guys, you don’t see much difference in the way [Navy] plays.”

Navy’s new quarterback, Ricky Dobbs, has been impressive in his first year as a starter. While Navy still runs the triple option, Wannestedt believes Dobbs and the Midshipmen’s passing attack is what sets this team apart from other teams of the past.

“Their quarterback this year, Ricky Dobbs, is probably as good of a passer as what they’ve had in the past several years,” Wannestedt said. “The way [Navy] got back in the Ohio State game was because of [Dobbs’] passing ability.”

Dobbs ranks first on the team in passing (259 yards) and second in rushing (130 yards). He also has six combined touchdowns for the Midshipmen.

The Panthers will have to show up with a much-improved defense on Saturday, as they surrendered 400 passing yards last week against Buffalo, including touchdown passes of 54 and 67 yards.

“We weren’t happy with the big plays we gave up, but there was nothing that happened there that I don’t think can’t be corrected quickly,” Wannestedt said.

How Pitt Will Score

The Panthers have excelled at putting points on the board through the first two games of the season, compiling 92 points in the two wins.

Once again, Pitt will turn to freshman running back Dion Lewis to lead the charge. The freshman ranks third in the nation in rushing yards (319) and is tied for first in points per game (15).

“He’s got ability,” Wannestedt said. “But the one thing about Dion Lewis is his maturity level for a freshman. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression.”

On Saturday, Lewis will look to continue his success against the toughest defense he’s faced. Wannestedt knows the challenges Navy poses on the defensive side on the ball.

“They’re very aggressive up front,” Wannestedt said. “They hold the point of attack and get good leverage on you. Their defense has been very impressive the past couple of weeks.”

Bill Stull will look to continue his string of solid starts at quarterback. The senior was very efficient in last week’s win over Buffalo, completing 21 of 30 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns.

Wannestedt thinks the senior is starting to feel more comfortable, leading to his improved play of late.

“Bill played very well, he made good decisions [against Buffalo],” Wannestedt said. “Bill really needed that game from a confidence standpoint, not just for himself but for the whole team.”

One of Stull’s top targets, Jonathan Baldwin, posted career numbers against Navy last season, catching three passes for a season-high 101 yards and a touchdown.

Senior tight end Dorin Dickerson has been Stull’s favorite target so far this year. Dickerson posted a career-high three touchdowns in last weeks win at Buffalo, and he leads the team with 12 catches and four receiving touchdowns.