A closer look…

First Time’s the Charm– Tonight’s game marks the first meeting between the Panthers… First Time’s the Charm– Tonight’s game marks the first meeting between the Panthers and the Huskies. It is also the first time the Panthers have ever played a game in the state of Connecticut. It is the Big East opener for the Panthers and the Big East home debut for the Huskies, who finished 9-3 last year as an independent.

Last Week– The Panthers (2-1, 0-0) are coming off a narrow 41-38 victory in overtime against Division I-AA power Furman. Tyler Palko threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Panthers, who trailed by as many as 17 points. The Huskies (3-1, 0-1) are coming off a 40-3 drubbing of Army. Quarterback Dan Orlovsky threw for 288 yards and four touchdowns in the win.

Kickin’ and Screamin’– Panthers kicker Josh Cummings was named Big East Special Teams Player of the Week. Cummings is perfect on the season and is quietly emerging as a candidate for the Lou Groza award, given each year to the Nation’s best kicker. On the season, Cummings is four of four on field goals and 10 of 10 on extra points. It is the third time in as many weeks that a Panther received an honor from the Conference.

We’re Goin’ Streakin’– Pitt is 25-10 over its last 35 games, its winningest stretch in nearly 20 years. The Panthers have won 12 of their last 17 road games and 14 of their last 18 Big East contests.

Take it to the House– Linebacker Malcolm Postell returned an interception for a touchdown on Saturday for his second score of the season. He is the first Panther since Billy Owens in 1986 to score two defensive touchdowns in a season. It was also the third straight game the Panthers have scored a touchdown on defense or special teams.

Aye, Aye Captain– Tyler Palko [offense], Joe DelSardo [offense], Erik Gill [blocking], Charles Spencer [blocking], H.B. Blades [defense] and Josh Cummings [special teams] were selected as the Players of the Game for the Furman Game. Tackle Rob Petitti [offense], Safety Tyrone Gilliard [defense], Nose Tackle Vince Crochunis [defense] and Linebacker Doug Roseberry [special teams] will serve as Team Captains for tonight’s game.

Open Sesame– Pitt is 5-2 in Big East openers under Head Coach Walt Harris, including wins over Rutgers the last two seasons.

Goin’ Deep– By throwing for 380 yards last Saturday, Palko became the sixth quarterback under Walt Harris to throw for over 300 yards in a game.

First Timers– In each of the Panthers’ first three games, a different Panther has hauled in his first career interception. Clint Session’s came in the season opener against Ohio, H.B. Blades got his against Nebraska, and cornerback Mike Phillips picked off his first pass Saturday against Furman.

Tighter is Better– Two of Palko’s most unexpected weapons made an argument for more chances Saturday. Tight Ends Erik Gill and Steve Buches combined for eight catches, including Buches’ first two career touchdown passes.

Holding His Own– Huskies Quarterback Dan Orlovsky became the first Huskies player ever to receive a Big East Weekly honor when he was named Offensive Player of the Week on Monday. Orlovsky completed 25 of 34 attempts for 288 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception in the Huskies’ win over Army. Orlovsky is on the pre-season Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award watch list.

The Replacement– The Huskies have been without starting tailback Terry Caulley, who is expected to miss the entire season because of a knee injury. Replacing Caulley has been Cornell Brockington, who has rushed for 315 yards and three touchdowns in four games. Brockington is averaging over four yards per carry and has caught 10 passes out of the backfield.

Among the Elite– Orlovsky’s early season success has helped him rank high in the nation’s offensive statistical categories. He is 15th in passing efficiency [159.3], fifth in touchdowns [9] and 13th in total offense [285.3].

Getting Defensive– UConn’s defense currently ranks 10th in the nation in total defense allowing just 249 yards per game. They also lead the Big East in both passing and total defense along with passing efficiency defense.