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Pitt got a much-needed win Saturday over Cincinnati but there is no time for the Panthers to celebrate because they have a very tough game -- at Louisville -- Saturday. I know what you are thinking -- Louisville isn't that good. Don't believe that for a second. Yes, the Cardinals haven't played very well, but they are still extremely talented, especially on offense where they average 39 points and more than 500 yards per game. Pitt's defense was put to the test by Cincinnati. but I would argue that the Cardinals offense is even better so we'll see if Saturday was just a mirage or if the Panthers defense is really ready to play some dominant football.

Q: Much has been written about what a great defensive effort Pitt turned in last week. But I saw something different, I saw an offense that kept on shooting itself in the foot with penalties. Although the turnovers were a nice plus, I think those penalties masked a mediocre defensive effort much like it did against Michigan State. These last five games will be long ones if face teams who can stay disciplined.

Steve Morro, Friendship

ZEISE: I would have to respectfully disagree. Look, it is easy to kill the Panthers for their ineptitude over the past few years because they have made it easy but the flip side of that is, you have to give credit where credit is due and they deserve a lot of credit. And what I saw from Cincinnati -- and this leads to penalties and turnovers -- is a team that got frustrated because Pitt made it difficult on them. Pitt did a lot things we haven't seen, like blitz, like drop guys off into coverage after showing blitz -- and that threw the Bearcats and their quarterback, Ben Mauk, out of their rhythm. I'm not sure what the final five games will bring for this Pitt defense, but for one day at least, the unit stood tall against a very good offensive team, and the Panthers for once were the aggressor and that is what led to those results.

Q: If the attendance numbers you report for Pitt games is correct, then the Steelers must play in front of 200,000 fans. Where is the honesty in your reporting?

Luke Haller, Baltimore

ZEISE: The attendance numbers are announced by Pitt officials each game, I report whatever the announced number is. I have no reason -- nor frankly do I really care enough about it given all the other things I have to worry about on game day to be honest -- to question the numbers because most places announce tickets sold, which is information to which I am not privy.