ESPN surely didn't envision this scenario when the network tabbed the Pitt-Louisville game as one of its few GameDay appearances for the season.
Pitt vs. Louisville is usually a matchup between ranked teams. Instead, Pitt comes in having lost an incredible seven consecutive games, while the Cardinals have been defeated in five of their past seven contests. Both teams are struggling mightily right now and will desperately looking for a win.
The Panthers are hoping to have starting point guard Tray Woodall back after a lengthy absence. Woodall has missed a large chunk of the season and while he isn't completely healthy, he hinted in an interview this week that he wants to play.
Pitt comes into the game having lost seven in a row, but the good news is that they're starting to play better. Since a flat out embarrassing 62-39 home defeat at the hands of Rutgers, Pitt has shown significant improvement. The Panthers went on the road and played competitively against a ranked Marquette team before losing by five. They also played No. 1 Syracuse on the road fairly well, losing by only eight.
The story for Louisville has been injuries. The Cardinals recently lost forward Rakeem Buckles for the season. Louisville could also be without leading scorer Kyle Kuric and freshman guard Kevin Ware against Pitt on Saturday. Kuric averages 13 points to lead the Cardinals and if Louisville is without him, it will be a blow.
Pitt needs to watch out for Louisville's vaunted press - particularly because they've struggled against it this season. If Woodall comes back, that will help, but even if he does, how much he plays is anybody's guess.
For more on the game, check out SB Nation's Pitt blog, Cardiac Hill.