Pitt faces biggest test yet today at Iowa While Pitt’s first two victories against Youngstown State and Akron may have seemed cathartic from a revenge perspective, Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi wasn’t afraid to admit that the stakes will be just a little higher tonight against Iowa. “Obviously, we told our guys, ‘The preseason’s over,’ ” Narduzzi said. “This is a big-time opponent, we’re going to find out what we’ve got.” Pitt faces off against Iowa at 8 p.m. today in a game that certainly will test the Panthers more than they have been in the first two weeks of the season. Sure, Youngstown State and Akron have beaten Pitt in recent years, but as a Big Ten Conference opponent, the Hawkeyes undoubtedly will pose a tougher test. “I believe that team is better than both teams that we’ve played, hands down,” Pitt receiver Tyler Boyd said. The game tonight also will present the toughest road environment the Panthers have seen this season. They won at Akron a week ago, but the atmosphere was dampened by a persistent and heavy rain, as well as the Zips’ anemic offense. Kinnick Stadium, meanwhile, likely will be rocking for its first night game since 2012. History is not on the Panthers’ side, either, as they haven’t won a non-conference road game against a top-tier opponent since 2008, when they beat Notre Dame in four overtimes. “It just makes me want to go even more,” Boyd said. “It pumps me up, fuels everybody. As long as we keep them quiet, then we won’t really have to prepare for any of the noise.” And while playing a Big Ten opponent in a raucous road environment should provide the Panthers with plenty of motivation, they also will have the revenge factor on their side for the third week in a row. A year ago, Iowa came back from a 17-7 halftime deficit to beat the Panthers, 24-20, at Heinz Field. The loss was especially deflating for the Panthers after a 3-0 start that had them just on the fringe of the top-25 discussion. “I’m anxious to go out there and get the revenge, just like we did last week against Akron,” Boyd said. “Every team that beat us last year, I feel like we’ve got to play harder, just to get the win. Not let a team say they run us and they always can beat us when they face us.” That game a year ago was a bit of a coming-out party for Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard, who replaced Jake Rudock at halftime and spearheaded Iowa’s comeback. With Rudock now at Michigan, Beathard has been the full-time starter this season for the Hawkeyes and has passed for 426 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in wins against Illinois State and Iowa State. “The most impressive thing about him is he’s not giving up sacks, he’s not throwing interceptions, he’s protecting the football and he can make plays with his feet,” Narduzzi said. This year, it’s Pitt with the uncertainty at quarterback. Narduzzi did not say Thursday whether Chad Voytik or Nate Peterman will start under center, but given Peterman’s performance against Akron — as well as the fact that he took all the first-team snaps in the open portions of Pitt’s practices this week — he seems like the smart bet. Both likely will play, though, and Narduzzi isn’t as concerned with locking down a quarterback as he is escaping Iowa with a 3-0 record. “Even if we had beat USC last weekend, they don’t care what you did last time or the week before,” Narduzzi said. “You get more and more curious every week of how we’re going to react on the field in a big-time atmosphere on national TV. It’ll certainly be interesting.” Scouting report Matchup: Pitt (2-0) vs. Iowa (2-0), 8 p.m. today, Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa. TV, Radio: Big Ten Network alternate channel (check local listings); KDKA-FM (93.7). Pitt: Beat Akron, 24-7, a week ago. … Starting QB will be game-time decision between Chad Voytik and Nate Peterman. … Seeking 3-0 start for second consecutive year and fourth time since 2000. … Redshirt freshman RB Qadree Ollison rushed for 81 yards against Akron in first career start. … Has not won road game against top-tier opponent since a 2008 win at Notre Dame. ... Coach Pat Narduzzi was 3-4 against Iowa as defensive coordinator at Michigan State. … Series tied, 3-3. … Is 106-129-9 all time against current Big Ten Conference members. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2015/09/19/Pitt-faces-biggest-test-yet-at-Iowa/stories/201509190017

• published: 19 Sep 2015
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