Submit your Pitt football question

Q: Why did they have so many problems getting to the quarterback against Rutgers and why is Aaron Berry still seeing the field on defense and special teams?

Tom Tupa, Pittsburgh

Zeise: I think that Dave Wannstedt shackled his defensive front a little and didn't really turn them loose early in the game. Once they did start to turn up the heat (you could see in the second half they came out flying), they started putting a lot of heat on Rutgers. They did a good job in the second half but early on in the game they were a little passive, as if they were playing run first, pass second. I just think that front four is good enough to be turned loose and make plays so it will be interesting to see what they do against the Irish. As for Berry, I agree he should no longer be the punt returner, but he is the Panthers best cover corner and he's only been burnt two or three times this season despite getting thrown at a lot every week. I really think he is a good football player and good corner -- in coverage and in tackling and run support -- so I disagree that he should be taken off the field.

Q: I'm afraid we could be doing a 2006 rerun --- if so is Dave Wannstedt's future in Jeopardy?

Chris P., Servna Park, Md.

Zeise: Yes, if this team lost four of five or five of five down the stretch and missed a bowl game, it would likely be the end -- but if that were to happen Dave wouldn't need to be told that by anyone else because he gets it. He understands how things work and more importantly, I honestly think if it went sour he'd talk to the powers that be about stepping into a different (mostly ceremonial) role in the athletic department and hand the program over to someone else. You have to understand, this guy loves Pitt. He wants what is best for Pitt, he wants the university and football program to succeed. He is not a guy who Pitt fans should hate or disrespect. He is a guy Pitt fans should be rooting for because very few people are as passionate about Pitt as he is. These losses hurt him more than a normal coach because they are personal to him because this is his alma mater. All of that being said, there are five games left and who knows, perhaps this could be a rerun of 2001 when the team looked dead in the water and won five in a row to save Walt Harris's job and get to a bowl game. So let's wait a few more weeks before we start the doom and gloom stuff because I have a funny feeling this team is going to win at least a couple of more games.

Q: Can Pitt stop Notre Dame?

Chuck Shaeffer, Steelton, Pa.

Zeise: Yes, I think so. I mean, the Irish have been good on offense but outside of last week against Washington, which is a team that quit a long time ago, it isn't like Notre Dame has gone up and down the field at will on teams. The key will be getting to Clausen and not letting those two receivers get down the field deep for big-play touchdowns. Notre Dame is going to score points, likely at least 24, so Pitt will have to score, but I don't think the Panthers will be powerless against them and I think if Pitt can force a turnover or two, it can win the game. The other key to that is this -- if LeSean McCoy has a big day, and Pitt can control the clock and make long drives, that would mean the Irish offense will be on the sidelines for most of the game, so that's a key as well.