Expectations are extremely high for the Pitt football team’s performance in the game this… Expectations are extremely high for the Pitt football team’s performance in the game this Saturday when they host Ball State, an unranked, minimally recognized opponent from the Mid-Atlantic Conference.

After blowing away Kent State in their season opener, in front of a crowd of over 56,000, the Panthers (1-0) are No. 11 in the Associated Press poll, and are heavily favored over the Cardinals this week. The crowd may be smaller this week, and little attention seems to be given by the fans. Many predict Pitt to walk all over Ball State.

Recent criticism has been aimed at Pitt’s schedule, which has the Panthers playing three MAC schools in non-conference games, teams many feel are not worthy opponents for the Panthers. Pitt head coach Walt Harris, however, sees things differently.

“The MAC has knocked off good football teams,” Harris said. “We know we’ve got an opponent that’s going to be tough to beat.”

The Cardinals (1-1) are sturdier than they have been given credit for. They blew away Indiana State in their season opener, winning 31-7. Last week, they played tough in a 35-7 loss to Missouri, a team that just missed being ranked in this week’s polls.

Ball State has both depth and experience in its quarterbacks. It is questionable whether senior Andy Roesch, who started the second half of last season and the first two games of this season, will play Saturday. However, the Cardinals have just as much experience in backup Talmadge Hill, a fifth-year senior and former starter who started 23 consecutive games from 2000-2002.

Uncertainty concerning who will get to start for Ball State could pose a problem for the Pitt defense, which has to prepare for both possible starters.

On the other end of the ball, the Cardinals return seven starting defenders from last season. However, head coach Brady Hoke is still concerned about his experienced defense.

“We haven’t done a good job at stopping the run on defense,” Hoke said. “The majority of the time we got hurt by some big plays by the quarterback and a couple of long runs.”

This could be where the Panthers aim for attack. Pitt has an explosive running game with senior tailback Brandon Miree, who ran for 113 yards against Kent State, his fourth consecutive 100-rushing game. Additionally, the Cardinals may find it hard to stop a very mobile quarterback in Rod Rutherford, who can scramble and throw the ball.

Experience among the Ball State defense may prevent some of the bigger plays by the Panthers’ offense, but it’s going to be tough to shut down such an explosive attack.

“You talk about an offense that is loaded,” Hoke said. “That’s a heck of an offense and it’s going to be quite a challenge for us.”

Pitt’s offense proved to be potent in its season opener against Kent State. Combined, the offense put together 522 total yards. Rutherford completed 17 of 25 passes for 288 yards and threw for four touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald caught six passes for 123 yards and had three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Panthers are just as strong. Giving up only three points against Kent State, the Pitt defense proves to be among the top in the nation.

Statistically, Pitt should walk away with an easy victory. However, college football is far more than what is on paper.

Ball State has far more depth than expected and can easily be a threat to the Panthers. They will do everything in their power to defeat Pitt and put a damper on its highly anticipated season. The Panthers have no room to take the Cardinals lightly.

“There’s no take-it-for-granted games,” Harris said. “Every game is a struggle.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, and will take place at Heinz Field.