Let's be honest - outside of an opening-drive touchdown and a couple of field goals by true freshman kicker Chris Blewitt, Pitt didn't show much offense against Florida State in their opening game. Of course, the Seminoles' defense had a lot to do with it, though.
Florida State was the No. 2 defense in the country last year giving up only 254 yards per game and as we saw in the opener, didn't look like they missed much of a beat despite numerous new faces. Things will change a bit, though, on Saturday.
New Mexico's offense, particularly its running game, has been impressive this year. But it's the defense that's the big question. Giving up nearly 450 yards per game last season, the Lobos had one of the worst defenses in the nation. So far this season, New Mexico is statistically better, ranking around the middle of the FBS (while Pitt is actually near the bottom of the Florida State game). But having played against UTSA and UTEP, New Mexico hasn't really faced a team with offensive players like Pitt's.
The Panthers need to use this game to work some kinks out in the offense. Tom Savage, as I mentioned before, needs to get going and have a good game. It's also a chance to see Tyler Boyd get more touches. The biggest thing, perhaps, is that Pitt needs to get the running game going. Other than a few end around runs by Boyd that caught the Seminoles off guard, the Panthers' backs didn't find much available space against Florida State.
On top of that, the game provides a chance for more experience for the offensive line to gel a bit more. Don't forget (as if you could) that the unit is still playing two inexperienced tackles and a new center. Lots to work on there.
Pitt really needs to play better on offense before some games against a few of their tougher tests pop up. Getting some of their offensive players more experience against a team like New Mexico should help the cohesiveness for the team and help prepare them for other games the rest of the way.
Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and manager/editor of Cardiac Hill @AnsonWhaley
