A closer look…

The Teams — The Pitt Panthers (0-2 overall, 0-0 Big East) hit the road for the… The Teams — The Pitt Panthers (0-2 overall, 0-0 Big East) hit the road for the second week in a row in search of the first victory in the Dave Wannstedt era as they head to Lincoln, Neb., to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0, 0-0) in the Panthers’ third-straight televised game.

The Coaches — Panther head man Dave Wannstedt has watched his team stumble out of the gates but will try to get his first win as head coach of his alma mater. The Cornhuskers are led by second-year coach Bill Callahan, who is 7-6 in his career with Nebraska.

Last Meeting — It was only a year ago the last time the Panthers and Cornhuskers met, and it was a game the Panthers had a tough time swallowing. Despite their defense playing well, quarterback Tyler Palko backed the Panthers into a corner with three untimely interceptions, and the Panthers’ late rally was not enough, as Nebraska held on for a 24-17 victory at Heinz Field.

How’d They Get Here — The Panthers find themselves reeling early in the season following a 42-21 home loss to Notre Dame and a 16-10 road upset at the hands of the Ohio Bobcats. On the opposite side of the street come the Cornhuskers who have outscored their first two opponents, Maine and Wake Forest, by a combined score of 56-10.

A Different Era — The Panthers are traveling to Lincoln for the first time in almost 50 years. The last time the Panthers played in Lincoln was in 1958. Overall, the Panthers lead the series 15-5-3 with six of the wins and all three ties coming in Lincoln.

Big Easy? — The Panthers are just over the .500 mark all-time when they are playing Big 12 Conference opponents. The Panthers are 24-21-4 with their last win against a Big 12 Conference opponent in 2003, when the Panthers beat Texas A’M on the road.

Unusual Start — Prior to 2005, the Panthers had not lost their first two games to start a season since 1984, a season in which the Panthers finished just 3-7-1.

Making His Debut — Sophomore wide receiver Derek Kinder will make his first career start on Saturday against the Cornhuskers. At six feet, one inch tall, Kinder provides solid size and speed at the receiver position.

Tickets Please? — When the Panthers and Cornhuskers kick off Saturday night inside Memorial Stadium, it will likely be sellout number 271 in a row for the University of Nebraska, an NCAA record.