Panthers defense hopes to regroup against Buffalo

September 15, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesmen Ryan Turnley (75) and Chris Jacobson (54) pass protect against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Panthers won 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

It is becoming harder and harder to project the outcome of these games because there seems to be no clarity as to which Pitt football team will show up.

Last week it was once again a tale of two teams as the team that defeated Virginia Tech showed up in the first half, only to see another defensive breakdown in the second half lead to a loss against a battle tested Louisville team.

Today, the Panthers face a Buffalo team that has one win on the season, however they can play well at home and any time the Panthers do not play in harmony they are in trouble.

In the series, the Panthers lead 3-0 and they are favored to win this game by 10 points.

Buffalo’s Head Coach is in his third season and he has won six of the 30 games he has coached.

I envision this match being a bounce back for the Panther defense as Buffalo has seven interceptions and six fumbles this season. For Pitt’s sake they need a bounce back game where there is consistent football.

This Panthers team needs to win a lot of games in a row to even think of getting a bowl and it would start with a win here especially since they have yet to win a game in the Big East.

Key to the Game: DEFENSE. Will the Panthers show up on defense? Quarterback Tino Sunseri has shown that he is ready to lead this offense, but can the defense show up the way they did against Virginia Tech? The answer will determine the outcome of this game.

Prediction: The Panthers should not have any problems in this game but that is precisely why I am worried. They cannot underestimate or play to Buffalo or this will be another sloppy loss and the Panthers cannot afford any more of those.