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Q: Have we overrated Dave Wannstedt's ability to evaluate talent and thus overrated some of Pitt's recruiting classes and players? Shouldn't this team be playing at a higher level than it is?

Scott Mahdik, Chicago

ZEISE: Great question -- my gut is yes in some cases and no in others. I think some positions, it is clear his recruits have been overrated, like linebacker, which should be right up his alley. I mean the fact that a former walk-on receiver, converted to linebacker about a week before the first game is starting and hasn't been beaten out yet is scary in terms of what it says for the linebacker depth. So there are some spots where, maybe, we should take a closer look at the players. But at other spots, like offensive line, he's brought in guys like Lucas Nix and Chris Jacobson who are going to be stars, John Malecki and Jason Pinkston who, I know, were recruited a.s defensive linemen but it was always known both would end up on offense. He has clearly made an impact on the defensive line as well. I think there is no question this team has good players and a lot of them. There are clearly some holes, but the bottom line is the team should be performing better than it has and you will never convince me that Bowling Green beat Pitt because it has better players.

Q: I believe Pitt can beat South Florida tonight if Bill Stull runs a little more, the secondary plays together and Oderick Turner doesn't see the field. What are your thoughts on the game?

Bob Fitzmaurice, St. Pete Beach, Fla.

ZEISE: I think if ever Pitt needs LeSean McCoy to come up with a big-time performance it is tonight. Forget about all of the other stuff for a minute -- if Pitt isn't able to line up and move the chains with a power run game, I can't see how it can win. McCoy needs to understand he is playing against fast guys, so all of that dancing and trying to break big runs is useless. They will catch him. He needs to hit the hole hard and fast and move the pile and get those four-, five- and six-yard runs with consistency and regularity and allow the Panthers offense to be in good down and distance situations all night long. If Pitt is lining up in third-and-longs all night, it will be a very, very long night. And the defensive line needs to show up before the fourth quarter, and be disciplined enough to keep Bulls quarterback Matt Grothe contained in the pocket. If they can keep Grothe from running around and making those sandlot plays he is so good at, they have a chance because I'm not sure that offense is disciplined enough to or capable of moving up and down the field without getting a number of "big chunk" plays. The big plays from their quarterback really are back breakers. As for Oderick Turner, I couldn't agree more, I think it is time for the "experiment" of making him the go-to, big-play receiver -- an experiment which has now lasted three seasons -- to finally jump the shark. He's an enigma who is clearly too inconsistent catching the ball to be a reliable weapon. It is definitely Baldwin time.

Q: It seems that Dave Wannstedt has no inclination whatsoever to utilize a fullback in his offense. I was impressed with how Owen Schmitt was used at WVU in the past two seasons. I believe both Collins and Hynoski could be as good or better than Schmitt if given a fair chance. If Wannstedt doesn't see a fullback in his offense, why did he even bother to recruit Hynoski? To keep him away from Joe Pa?

Jay Butela, Glenshaw

ZEISE: You know this subject comes up a lot and I agree -- the fullback is no longer a big part of the offense and Conredge Collins has been wasting away for his entire career. That may be a good thing because that only means that Pitt is catching up with the times because fullback is a dying position -- teams just don't use them any more. Look at the NFL -- Collins is rated as the top fullback prospect in the nation but which team is going to pick him? And frankly, would you rather have the ball in the hands of Henry Hynoski and Conredge Collins out of the backfield or LaRod Stephens-Howling and LeSean McCoy. Again, I agree the fullbacks aren't used much but on the list of things wrong with this offense, this is very, very low in terms of priority. As for Hynoski, he was recruited because he is a good football player and because, while he likely will never get a lot of touches, he is a good blocking fullback and there are still times when the formation or situation calls for exactly that.