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Q: You mentioned Pitt middle linebacker Dan Mason has a little trash talking in him. Did he get a little of that swagger from new Pitt LB coach (Bernard Clark) who played for "The U"? Has that rubbed off on any of the other linebackers on the team?

James Eagler, Greencastle, Pa.

ZEISE: No, I'm thinking trash talking is an artform that can't be taught. Mason is just a high energy, high intensity kind of player who thrives on emotion.

The other two linebackers, Greg Williams and Max Gruder just go about their business. That is a good thing -- you don't need too many trash talkers, just a couple of guys who are emotional leaders. Mason is clearly an emotional leader but all that woofing and talking is only going to be noteworthy if he can back it up -- like they always did at the U.

Q: Paul, It seems that Utah may have a talent advantage with their defensive tackles against Pitt's interior offensive line. Where are Utah's weaknesses that Pitt could maybe take advantage of?

Frank Stosic, Munhall

ZEISE: Judging from the e-mails I got from some Utah fans this week, the Utes not only have no weaknesses, they would likely be favored even if they were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight. I mean, my goodness, yes this is a good team but could we tone down the hyperbole just a little bit?

Anyway, if you look at the Utes defensive line it is a veteran group and will give Pitt's offensive line every bit it can handle and then some.

But the Utes back seven is inxperienced, and in reading some reports, seem to be a bit banged up right now, so it will be very interesting to see the Panthers receivers against the Utah secondary.

On the other side of the ball, Utah seems to be strong at running back and the Utes offensive line has four starters returning, so the run game should be good. It will be a great matchup, however, to see Pitt's defensive line against Utah's offensive line because that seems to be a strength on strength matchup.

Utah has some questions at receiver and the quarterback, Jordan Wynn, despite his all-world performance in something called the Poinsettia Bowl, is still inexperienced, so the passing game could sputter.

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