Pittsburgh was involved in 1 of the 3 top-25 matchups last weekend, taking on Hendon Hooker and a fast-paced Tennessee attack.
The Panthers used a 10-3 fourth quarter advantage to even the game up, but they couldn’t come away with the win in overtime. It was Pitt’s first loss of the season. They will now hit the road to take on Western Michigan.
Pittsburgh did win its first game of the year 38-31 against West Virginia, so it should already have the taste of a rowdy environment in its mouth.
As for Western Michigan, it is coming off a 37-30 win over Ball State and also has a 35-13 loss to Michigan State on its resume. RB Sean Tyler is their team leader, having run for over 100 yards on just 15 carries against the Cardinals. He was also the team’s leading rusher against the Spartans in Week 1.
Kickoff for this matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 17. The game will be be played at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI.
Pittsburgh vs. Western Michigan Week 3 Prediction
Western Michigan’s Struggling Defense Is Focal Point of Game
Western Michigan has given up 30 points or more in two straight games, and it is going to be playing one of the fastest-paced teams in the country. Pittsburgh ranks 38th in plays per game and was tied for the 8th-most plays against Tennessee last week. The Panthers ability to keep possessions alive could haunt Western Michigan.
Western Michigan ranks 115th in the country in opponents’ yards per game at almost 7 per game. They do have an experienced defense with 10 of the 11 starters on the roster a season ago. However, that hasn’t translated to success as they’ve allowed over 150 rushing yards in each matchup this season.
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda was handed off to 25 times last game, showing that the Panthers will get the running game more involved this season. They were a past dominant team a season ago, led by NFL draft pick Kenny Pickett.
The Broncos beat Ball State due to a solid fourth quarter, but they arguably should’ve lost that game. They gave up 35 points with a defense that should be clicking, given that the Broncos returned so many upperclassmen. It is definitely a cause for concern.
With Pittsburgh in their crosshairs, it could be a difficult scene for a defense that’s had a plethora of holes so far this season.
Can Pittsburgh Stop Sean Tyler and the Western Michigan Run Game?
Michigan State was able to find success against Western Michigan because it was able to stop the run. That is going to be something the Panthers should be able to pick up from that matchup and run with. Tyler is the heartbeat of this offense. The Broncos average the 46th-most rushing yards per game at 174. However, against their lone Power 5 opponent, they struggled.
Pittsburgh had 3 sacks and 5 tackles for a loss last week, so while not great, its defensive line did make an impact. Tyler stands 5-foot-8 and is more of a shifty, versatile back than a “lower-the-shoulder” type of runner. He went for 1,150 yards a season ago but had just 84 against Pittsburgh and averaged under 70 per game against Power 5 teams.
Western Michigan won their game against Pitt last season. It might be confusing how they could have won that game, but having a draftable wide receiver in Skyy Moore helped. Also, Western Michigan had Kaleb Eleby at quarterback who went for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game. An inconsistent redshirt freshman is now starting for the Broncos.
The Panthers should see dividends from putting 8 in the box and shutting down Tyler. Expect them to make Broncos quarterback Jack Salopek beat them. Pittsburgh does allow 140.5 rushing yards per game, so it might be easier said than done for a front four that has struggled to stop opposing backs.
Pittsburgh vs. Western Michigan Prediction
This Pittsburgh roster isn’t necessarily going to wow fans in conference play, but despite the loss of Pickett, they still should be able to thrive offensively. It is averaging 32.5 points per game and has yet to play a non-Power 5 program. The Panthers should have the edge on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Western Michigan did beat Ball State, but it didn’t look good at all against the Spartans. The Broncos were down 21-3 at the half, and the Spartans coasted the last 30 minutes. While I expect a more competitive ballgame, I don’t see much opportunity for the Broncos to cover without Eleby and Moore on the roster. I’ll back the Panthers
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