Pitt enters today's game against Florida International as a big favorite, but FIU should provide, at the very least, a modest test.
FIU comes into Pittsburgh 0-3, but actually has a fairly tough non-conference schedule this season. Thus far, they've faced three BCS-conference foes in Rutgers, Texas A&M, and Maryland. None of those teams are ranked, but they still are challenges, especially for a smaller school. FIU has lost all three, but as I mentioned on my preview at Cardiac Hill earlier this week, they've been in all of them, losing fourth-quarter leads in each.
Meanwhile, the Panthers will have two interesting position battles to look for today. At quarterback, Tino Sunseri is still the starter, but backup Pat Bostick entered the Miami game in the fourth quarter last week after Sunseri struggled. If Sunseri struggles again, Bostick could get more playing time today.
Pitt has also had concerns at running back where starter Dion Lewis has had trouble finding running room this year. Backup Ray Graham played better in the Miami game and the carries could be fairly split today. If Lewis struggles again, it will be interesting to see if the coaching staff starts Graham next week at Notre Dame.
There's no doubt that today is a must-win for Pitt.