Fresh off a 21-20 win over Iowa last week, the Pitt Panthers travel to Syracuse tomorrow for the… Fresh off a 21-20 win over Iowa last week, the Pitt Panthers travel to Syracuse tomorrow for the team’s first road game of the season, as well as its opening Big East affair. Pitt can improve to 3-1 with a victory over the Orange. The contest is set for a noon kickoff tomorrow. The Pitt News answered questions from readers regarding the game. Tom, from Shadyside, asked, ‘Who is the key defensive player this weekend at the ‘Cuse?’ Mike Gladysz: The key defensive player for Pitt this week will be the Syracuse offense, which will likely stop itself. Seriously, though, the defensive line will be important again this week. The Syracuse running game isn’t bad, and if it can keep the Pitt defense on the field, it might be able to tire it out.. Still, I don’t see Syracuse putting up too many points. Zack Chakan: Syracuse hasn’t done much through the air, so rushing the passer early will be key for the Pitt defensive line. ‘ Greg Romeus showed signs of life last week and could be ready to break out with a few sacks between the Orange’s tackles. Tony, from Mt. Washington, said, ‘Both running backs have been productive this year. Any chance Pitt will use both LaRod Stephens-Howling and LeSean McCoy in the backfield at the same time? Especially since both backs have had success against the Orange?’ MG: I’d love to say yes, but I can’t. I haven’t seen enough out of Matt Cavanaugh’s play-calling to make me believe Pitt will try anything crazy with McCoy and Stephens-Howling. It is a great idea, though, and it would really throw a different look at the defense. Both backs have the ability to make the big play, and either back could start a lot of different schools. Still, the offense has more important things to worry about than a two-back set … like throwing the ball down the field. ZC: This sounds like a great idea for the Pitt offense to employ, but I’m not sure this is the week to pull it out. I think Dave Wannstedt and Cavanaugh dabbled with this idea in camp, but we’ve yet to see it on the field. My guess is that it will happen when the coaches feel the situation dictates it. This type of formation could bring the same type of confusion to a defense that last week’s dual-quarterback did. True, these running backs have torched Syracuse, but they should do so tomorrow anyway. I’d look for it against South Florida. ‘ Lindsay, from North Oakland, asked, ‘Any chance at a Syracuse upset this week?’ MG: I can’t see it happening. The Syracuse football program is falling apart. Actually, it’s been apart for a while now. But this team is dropping, and dropping fast. The coaching staff will likely be gone at the end of this year, and players know it. The players don’t match up with the Pitt players on either side of the ball, meaning Pitt might be able to put up some big points. ZC: The logical answer to this question is no, but this is Pitt we’re talking about. Pitt only beat Syracuse on its home turf by three points last year, and this is largely the same Orange squad. The Panthers have also had trouble in the Carrier Dome in years past. But Pitt should be much improved, and Syracuse has severely regressed. Even Akron beat Syracuse by two touchdowns in Orange country. Even if it’s a low-scoring game, Pitt should win by at least two touchdowns. -Got a Pitt football question? E-mail us at [email protected] for next week’s Q’amp;A.