Pitt_s_It: Paul It appears to me that the way to beat Pitt is by passing against them. Do you agree and do you think that Pitt can beat ND, South Fla. or Cinn.? I'm afraid ND Could score 40 or 50 points against our defense?

Paul Zeise: Well that certainly has been a vulnerability - but I doubt that South Florida is going to allow a freshman quarterback to start chucking the ball around the yard on Saturday. I think part of the problem is the front four has been about a half step to slow in terms of really putting a lot of heat on quarterbacks. That leaves the secondary vulnerable - and I think another issue is we haven't seen much evidence this year that Pitt's linebackers are very good dropping back into coverage. I don't expect it to be a big problem this week given South Florida's style or next week (actually two weeks) against Syracuse because of their limitations but you are right - the Notre Dame game, with Michael Floyd returning, will be the moment of truth.

Pitt_s_It: Was Creg Cross brought to Pitt to play one down and score a touchdown in a critical situation and then never play again?

Paul Zeise: It sure seems that way. I've said it before - of all the things I've seen in all my time covering this team the decision to recruit this guy and then how he has been used has been about as puzzling as anything I've seen. I wish I had a better answer - I don't. I will say he has been helpful as a scout team quarterback, this week and in getting ready for teams like West Virginia so he does play a little role but it sure seems like this will go down as a wasted asset.

The_Hynoceros: Paul, Do you have any updates on the status of Justin Hargrove? Has he been practicing at all? Also, is he playing DT, DE, or both?

Paul Zeise: He did return to practice about two weeks ago and I haven't heard much about him since. He has played both end and tackle and last I checked I'm fairly certain he was at tackle but like I said he is capable of playing both. Right now however it seems like there is a three-man rotation at end (Romeus, Sheard, Lindsey) and a three-man rotation at tackle (Caragein, Williams, Mustakas) and those guys are getting almost all the snaps so I doubt he'll be much of a factor this year.

SDWC: Can we expect the usual trickery from Leavitt, such as fake punts, field goals, etc.?

Paul Zeise: Yes and that's because he needs to in order to generate some offense. BJ Daniels is talented but young and as such they have struggled to score points (remember, their upset of Florida State was 17-7). So I'd expect a few little wrinkles from the Bulls and you'd think the Panthers will too.

theWellHungarian: Kind of off topic but in a way Pitt related ... Has Conor Lee started warming up his leg?

Paul Zeise: No, I've seen him from time to time at practice working with the kickers but I haven't had a chance to talk to him much. I'm sure if the Steelers who are looking for a good kicker, who thrives in Heinz Field and doesn't beat up towel dispensers at Sheetz or ask cops to put up their dukes during a drunken stupor, they'll give Conor a call ...

The_Hynoceros: How has Buddy Jackson been health-wise lately? I know he has made some cameo appearances on special teams, but are we ready to see him get any game action on defense? Also, do you think he could be an asset to the team given his speed and size combo are pretty unique for the secondary?

Paul Zeise: He has been playing a lot on special teams, so he's ready, he just needs to beat those other guys out. I don't know if you've noticed him out there but he has made some tackles and whatnot on special teams. He has been full speed ahead, it is just a matter of him getting better and making a case for playing time

Pitt_s_It: What in the world is wrong with throwing to Baldwin more often? Does he run poor patterns? Poor chemistry with Stull? Or is he another player who is not as good as the media has made him out to be?

Paul Zeise: No, the read progression goes from Baldwin to the next guy to the next guy and Bill Stull has gone through his reads. That's the company line, at least. Baldwin is the focal point of a lot of plays but Stull has been throwing a lot of check downs (I think there were only three receptions to wide receivers in the Rutgers game). I agree though, playmakers make plays and if you just throw the ball up to those guys -- like a Fitzgerald, like the kid from the Houston Texans, like Crabtree, like the guy from the Broncos -- they will make plays on the ball. That's what makes them special and Baldwin has that ability.

SDWC: Do you think sloppy weather on Saturday will benefit either team?

Paul Zeise: Well, perhaps with Pitt's running game being a little more north-south than what Daniels does for South Florida, I'd say it helps the Panthers. But by the same token, Pitt's advantage in this game is the ability to sustain a consistent and dangerous passing game and that is tough in bad conditions. So to me, it is a wash and neither team is going to have an advantage.

The_Hynoceros: Has Cam Saddler been able to give anything close to 100% in practice this week? Do you expect him to play any kind of a role on Saturday?

Paul Zeise: I will be surprised if he is able to contribute much. He looks like he is on his way back and he is out there running around some but he doesn't look quite like he is ready as he still is a limping a little bit. I think the most likely scenario is they hold him out this week, then there is a bye and so he has another week to heal and from there, you'd hope he is ready for Syracuse and the stretch run.

The_Hynoceros: Paul, Thank you once again for taking time out to answer the fans' questions. From a recruiting standpoint, have you heard any information regarding which of the remaining home games the staff is pumping as the "official visit" game for the majority of recruits? I guess it would either be the Notre Dame or Cincinnati game, so perhaps you can shed some light on the issue.

Paul Zeise: I'm certain they are going to have a good group of recruits for both of those games but they also try to have a big group of recruits in for one of the Big East basketball games each year for obvious reasons. But it is a nice luxury this year that they have some good games at the end of the season to bring recruits in because in years past they've waited for the basketball games to bring guys in because the crowd wasn't expected to be great at Heinz Field. But I give Pitt a lot of credit, beyond winning, the athletic department has done a good job of creating a good game-day atmosphere at Heinz Field. It really feels more like a college football game and crowd now than it ever has, even in 2003 when it was sold out.

theWellHungarian: I know & understand Dion Lewis has -zero- chance at the Heisman, but any chance at getting a look at the Doak Walker Award? Also, this year looks like to me no clear cut favourite for Heisman, if Notre Dame had beaten USC, would Claussen have pulled ahead?

Paul Zeise: No, from what I've seen the kid from Alabama, if he keeps rolling, will win the Doak Walker and perhaps even the Heisman, though I have a sneaking suspicion if Florida and Texas both win out, one of those two guys will be given the award just because of the hype and the fact that they've been in the race for like ten years it seems ...

Bob_Dylan: Paul: Several weeks ago, you made the following statement regarding the Pitt football program: "My point is that Pitt is not at the level of some of the top programs and isn't likely to be ever again because of the way college athletics are financed these days and because of how college athletics have changed in the past 20 years." Could you elaborate on this? How are college athletics financed these days and how have they changed in the past 20 years? Most importantly, will you please elaborate on why you think that Pitt isn't likely to ever again be a top level program because of these things?

Paul Zeise: I've answered this several times in recent Q&A's and I'll give you the cliff notes version -- go to the NCAA web-site and research the budgets of athletic departments and then you'll have an answer.

Memory_of_Terrelle: I'm worried about this game. The South Florida QB seems similar to the NC State QB who burned us with his feet. Do you think the coaching staff will learn anythignfrom that game to apply on Saturday?

Paul Zeise: You'd hope they'll do some things differently but these kinds of quarterbacks are always dangerous and this one has the added bonus of being able to throw the ball down the field for a lot of yards. I think one thing that they are saying is that they didn't expect Russell Wilson to run as much as he did and they'll be more ready for it but again, we'll see. This is a game that requires patience and discipline among the defense.

Blue_Out: Question about uniforms. Pitt asks fans to wear all blue and will turn around and wear blue shirts and gold pants rather than all blue. Last year, Pitt basketball wanted all fans to wear gold and they came out wearing white uniforms. What is up with that?

Paul Zeise: I agree but the party line is that the blue on blue doesn't look good in these new uniforms as the color scheme is a little bit off. So it will be blue (shirts) and gold pants.

Memory_of_Terrelle: Remind me again how Notre Dame fits into the Big East bowl picture?

Paul Zeise: Simple - if they don't get into the top 12 or whatever it is they need to be (it seems to change every year) to get a BCS berth, it is pretty much a lock that they'll take the Gator Bowl and the Big East's second place team will be headed to Charlotte.

theWellHungarian: I saw the other day that Dorin Dickerson made the midseason watchlist for the John Mackey Award... What do you think the chances of him actually winning? Also, is this kid gonna be playing on Sundays?

Paul Zeise: I think they are good because those kinds of awards are often decided by stats and he has as good or better stats than any tight end in the country. I think he actually leads the country in touchdown receptions and he is going to finish with something like 45 catches and 12 touchdowns and perhaps even get to 1,000 yards. Those are big numbers for a tight end.

Darwin: I have a sneaky suspicion that even though Pitt has been out scoring there opponets. That they have been holding back. I recall you Stated during training camp that there was alot of new plays & tricks that Pitt showed. I also think the defense has been holding back a little. I feel like this Saturday since it's a home game Pitt is going to be aggressive on both sides of the ball and blow USF out. What do think?

Paul Zeise: Absolutely they still have a number of things - heck, like every team in the country these days they still do a little work on the wildcat each week. So we haven't seen everything they can do but by the same token, what they are doing is working. I don't know how aggressive Pitt will be on defense, it isn't the style of the head coach, but offensively I think they'll continue to take some shots. As for blowing out South Florida, I don't think just because the Bulls have a great defense. Now, if Pitt can get a lead and make South Florida chase, then it could become a little bit of a blowout because that is where young quarterbacks tend to make mistakes.

Wannstache: Paul, I think given B.J. Daniels ability to run around and extend plays that we will see Hargrove play an important role this week. Look how tired our DL was against NC State. We will need all the bodies we can get to give guys a blow during the game. Your thoughts?

Paul Zeise: Well even if that's the case the fourth end is either Shayne Hale or Nate Nix and the fourth tackle is Chas Alecxih and the fifth is likely Craig Bokor -- so Hargrove still has some work to do to get some playing time.

Blue_Out: Wannstedt mentioned that they haven't recruited enough offensive lineman for depth. However, it does not address the fact that all of his corners are small and his secondary is horrendous. Is recruiting defensive backs a priority?

Paul Zeise: They've brought in a lot of defensive backs and I think in Antwuan Reed and Jarred Holley and Buddy Jackson they have three good young ones. They just haven't made an impact yet though Reed and Holley have started to play more. I think if you look in every class they sign a number of defensive backs/athletes so it has been a priority, some just haven't panned out.

burgh87: Paul: It would be nice to see a full house backfield with Lewis, Hynoski and Grahm. Your thoughts?

Paul Zeise: That would be interesting, even more so if the quarterback was Cross - meaning they could run a true wishbone, triple option thing and give teams something else to think about. That isn't likely to happen though but we can always hope....

Blue_Out: Byham is a monster when Stull actually throws him the ball as he has soft hands. Why doesnt Pitt throw to him more? I would rather throw to him than McGee or Turner, who forget how to catch at times

Paul Zeise: Again, the answer is -- every play is a read progression and Byham is in the progression but if he is not open then Stull goes elsewhere. I agree they could throw to him a little bit more than they do but when you have a tight end doing what Dickerson is doing, it is hard not to throw it his way. Nate will get some opportunities and when he does, he makes plays, it is just there are a lot of guys to try and get the ball.

sexual_chocolate: Paul - you've pointed out many times how, for whatever the reason, baldwin is not in the game when they are in the redzone. Have you or anyone asked Cignetti or Wanny, "why isn't Baldwin on the field?" Have they given an answer to that? thks

Paul Zeise: Cedric McGee is the physical blocking receiver and there are more packages than just getting the Baldwin the ball all the time. It is that NFL thing - the personnel groups and packages but I've never gotten a good answer from either about why he is not in every package, including goal line, other than "we have a lot of playmakers". Yeah, but you don't have many who draw as much attention and require as much attention from defenses as he does.

titulo_hombre: Beano Cook started up again last week with the whole Pitt doesn't have 4 guys that ND was interested in. ND is good offensively but defensively it still stinks. Please put the Beano mantra to rest.

Paul Zeise: Beano Cook still views Notre Dame as if it is the 1960's and 1970's. And if he really believes there aren't four guys on Pitt's roster who would not just play, but would start for Notre Dame then he hasn't been watching. I have a sneaking suspicion, though, that he is just using a little hyperbole to stir things up.

menofpaws: With what happened with the suspension of the officiating crew from poor calls during the Florida-Arkansas game, does the NCAA take a deeper look at a possible larger scandal? Something doesn't smell right.

Paul Zeise: I'm sure they will look into it but I'm not sure that anything will come of it. I do find it a little strange that the bad calls benefited Florida, sort of like a few years ago when there were some awfully strange calls going against the Panthers in that 13-9 win over WVU.

Darwin: I feel like Pitt will pull a New England Patriots on USF and win 59-0. This will be the statement of the year.

Paul Zeise: Well that certainly would be a statement but I think that South Florida's quarterback will make a few big plays and they will score. I envision -- are you ready - the score will be something like Pitt 31, South Florida 17.

Blue_Out: Why does Big East allow Notre Dame to take a bid away from the league? My stance is join the Big East or see ya.

Paul Zeise: Because without Notre Dame in the mix it is very difficult for the Big East to negotiate with bowls from a position of strength. Notre Dame helps the Big East -- of course, the Irish could help the Big East more if they'd return to being a legitimate national power and get into the BCS every year - thus leaving the lower bowls for the Big East teams.

titulo_hombre: Do you support the movement to bring Neil Diamond in to do a live version of sweet caroline against Cincy?

Paul Zeise: Yes, that would be cool and he'd be well received. Where do I sign the petition?

stevev: Do you think since they have two really good true freshman running backs, that Pitt will redshirt Ray Graham next year, so they can have him for one more year after Lewis leaves school early?

Paul Zeise: No, I think the way that Pitt runs the ball they want two running backs ready to carry the load and Graham will get more work here and there and he's always one injury away from being the man. Dave Wannstedt likes having two guys who are ready to play so I don't see that happening.

alpinecoach: Looking ahead what are you predicting for the Notre Dame game?

Paul Zeise: Wow, ask me again in a few weeks - a lot can happen. If Michael Floyd comes back, it is a different game and with injuries and stuff -- again, ask me in a few weeks.

burgh87: What's your impression of Fields at this point? I know he's been injured but how do the coaches feel he is doing?

Paul Zeise: I think he's maybe found a good spot as the bandit/buck/nickel/dime linebacker/third down specialist. Really, I think that suits him best and I think with Holley playing so well, that gives the coaches the luxury of using him in that role more. I think we'll see them expand on it some in the next few weeks and we'll see a few more subpackages on the field in situations.

menofpaws: Speaking of Cross, how has he looked at safety in practice?

Paul Zeise: He's running the scout team at quarterback and plays receiver in his spare time. With some work, I think he could be a good receiver.

Memory_of_Terrelle: I agree about the football program having an uphill battle to return to former glory. Pitt might put a "fence around Western PA" but there are less people in Pittsburgh than there are in Columbus, OH. Out here in LA LA Land Southern Cal has a 9 million population based from which to recruit. No wonder the coaching staff is lookig to NJ & Maryland to expand the recruiting base.

Paul Zeise: Exactly - the demographics here, the recruiting base, everything that Pitt had as an advantage way back is eroding.

Wannstache: Dion Lewis nickname- Dion "Run Around Sue" Lewis? Think it works?

Paul Zeise: I'm not good at nicknames - but I'll make sure we throw this one out there -- anyone have an opinion of it, let me know - pzeise@post-gazette.com.

menofpaws: In your opinion is this the best Pitt team since Gottfired left?

Paul Zeise: We have to see - that 2001 and 2002 teams were really good - though the 2001 team wasted about five weeks in the spread. If this team finishes strong, then yes, I think we could say that.

Dietrich_Jells: Any chance Dion Lewis ends up in NYC as a top 5 Heisman finalist?

Paul Zeise: No probably not. He didn't get a lot of preseason hype, he is only a freshman and he has a steep hill to climb in terms of publicity.

titulo_hombre: Do you think the USF ends have the same weaknesses as Romeus and Sheard. menaing they tend to focus too much on the ball and making a big hit and are suckers for misdirection?

Paul Zeise: Well they rush up the field and get the quarterback. And yes, they are agressive so ocassionally they will get faked out by a misdirection or counter type play. But they are so athletic and fast they also make a lot of plays and they make up for their mistakes by chasing guys down. They are pretty special players.

Paul Zeise: Ok, I have to run, thanks for all the great questions and for participating. We will see you all dressed in blue at Heinz Field Saturday.

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