The Pittsburgh Panthers football program snapped a two-game losing streak Saturday defeating the Buffalo Bulls, 20-6, in a non-conference contest at UB Stadium in Buffalo, NY. The victory helped Pitt (3-4) move three wins closer from becoming bowl eligible, however, it didn't help its fan base feel any better about their team overall.
According to the SB Nation blog Cardiac Hill, the win didn't answer anything, instead, it just created more questions.
So what did we learn about the now 3-4 Pitt Panthers? Not so much, I'm afraid. The weather and the opponent make it hard to draw any rock-solid conclusions, but a win is a win is a win.
On of the reasons for caution is the production of the Panthers' running game, which compiled over 100 yards -- Ray Graham had 74 on 20 carries while Rushel Shell had 35 on 12 attempts -- but needed to work hard to get there.
126 yards is a positive thing, but 32 carries to get it isn't. Graham averaged 3.7 ypc on his 20 carries, but Shell got just 2.9 on his 12, a number that was bolstered by a 16-yarder. Obviously, Buffalo was scheming to stop the run given Pitt's personnel and the weather conditions, but I would hop Pitt's offensive line could do a little better job clearing holes.
The full reaction post from Cardiac Hill can be read here.
Next Saturday, Pitt resumes Big East play when it hosts the Temple Owls. That game is schedule to begin at noon ET and will be broadcasted on the Big East Network.