Preview: No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

Can the Panthers Pounce and Upset the 8-0 Fighting Irish?

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Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson

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Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly respects Pittsburgh, especially their recent strong offensive output, and will not take the team lightly.
 
“(They’re) a team that is starting to find themselves,” Irish coach Brian Kelly said. “Coach (Paul) Chryst has done a very good job of a consistent message. (Quarterback Tino) Sunseri is playing the best football of his career at the quarterback position. They have arguably two of the better running backs that we’ll see. (Tight end Hubie) Graham is an established player.”
 
Piitsburgh Offense
 
The Panthers are on the offensive prowl. Last week the soon-to-be-ACC school notched its highest points total in 13 years over a FBS opponent last week with  47 in a win over Temple. They average 29 points per game, two more than the Fighting Irish .
 
The Pitt offense runs through QB Tino Sunseri. The senior play caller has passed for 2,199 yards and 13 touchdowns for a lofty 164.8 efficieny rating (8th in the country). Since his last interception early this season against Virgina Tech he has thrown 143 passes without a pick.
 
Sunseri has a reliable set of receivers in WR Devin Street (50 receptions, 695 yards, 4 TDs) and WR Mike Shanahan (631 yards, 3 TDs). They are the most productive and feared receiver duo in the Big East.
 
The Panthers have a formidable rusher by the name of Ray Graham. The running back has gained 622 yards for 7 scores this far this season. Last week against Temple he racked up 2 touchdowns on 109 yards. Freshman RB Rushel Shell has 441 yards and 4 TDs on the ground and averages 150.3 yards a game together with Graham.
 
Pittsburgh Defense
 
The Panthers Defense is a decent one having allowed only 339.9 yards and 21.8 points per game.
 
Senior CB Jared Holley could be considered the captain of the squad. He is a 2012 All-Big East first teamer responsible for 50 tackles, 3 pass break ups and 1 interception. The team’s best pass defender may match up against Tyler Eiffert on Saturday.
 
The 275-pound Defensive lineman Aaron Donald will take on the duty of containing the elusive Fighting Irish QB Everett Golson. The Second Team All Big-East junior lineman is a force to be reckoned with. On the year he has 31 tackles (8 for a loss), 3.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries.
 
Prediction: Notre Dame 28  Pittsburgh 17

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