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Q: Two quick things, how big is this Friday night against Rutgers? And what time is the kick-off for the USF game?

Brad Bednar, Bethel Park

ZEISE: This is a huge game for a lot of reasons. First, for psychological reasons -- this team hasn't beaten Rutgers since 2004, Rutgers is the only team that Pitt hasn't beat and the bottom line is when you start getting on a losing streak to a team, the longer it goes, the more it weighs on you mentally. But, here is a bigger reason for Pitt -- it is a huge Big East game for them because it means those games at the end of the season will mean so much more if they are for a Big East title. Remember 2003 and 2004 -- when late in the season the stadium was packed and ESPN Game day was at Heinz Field or whatever and the games were on ESPN, the real ESPN? That's what is at stake -- an early loss in the conference won't mean Pitt is out of the race but it will mean they'll likely need some help and all of that. If Pitt wins this one, finds a way to win next week against USF and let's assume they take care of business against Syracuse -- the final three games will be a lot of fun to cover and for you, the fans, a lot of fun to be at and watch because they'll be big games with national implications.

As for South Florida, I am assuming you have heard by now since you sent this to me yesterday but just in case -- it is a noon game.

Q: Will Elijah Fields be ready to go this week? If so will Holley still see signifcant playing time? He was a pleasant surprise in UConn game even though Uconn has a weak passing attack.

Chris Will, North Hills

ZEISE: I'd say he is somewhere between doubtful and questionable based on what I know but again, this is an injury to a starter so during game week the messages we'll get every day will always be very cryptic and misleading. It is to the point where after Monday's press conference, it isn't worth asking Dave Wannstedt about injuries (but we all still do every day because that's what our job is, to ask questions) because he isn't going to answer them honestly or straight and the closer to game time, the more annoyed he becomes with them. That's just that mentality of coaches who don't want to give the opponent any information at all. I've always thought the practice was silly and overrated unless it is a quarterback or a superstar at an impact position. I mean, I'm quite sure nothing about Rutgers preparation is going to change even an iota based on whether it is Fields or Holley -- particularly since both guys will play if Fields is able to go. Holley has earned some more playing time with his performance and he'll get it as the third safety regardless of what happens with Fields.

Q: Do Bill Stull and his receivers have the authority to call audibles at the line to take advantage of favorable match-ups they see in the defensive coverage? Or are those decisions all dictated through the coaching staff? There were several times on Saturday when Jonathan Baldwin and Mike Shanahan in particular had single coverage from shorter corners on the wide side of the field, and the advantage was not exploited.

Dion Ziolkowski

ZEISE: Yes -- to an extent. If Bill Stull steps to the line and sees some things, on certain plays he does have the authority to audible or more accurately, he can check into an optional play. A great example -- at N.C. State -- the primary play on second-and-goal from the 8 was a fade to Baldwin provided the coverage was what they were looking for. It wasn't, so he checked into the little pass to Dickerson in the flats. It isn't a straight audible, but there are options when he gets to the line that he can check into if he sees something from the defense which will prevent the primary play call from working.

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