With Michigan-Notre Dame ending in typical Michigan-Notre Dame style, let's take a look at how some of Pitt's upcoming opponents have done in their games this week.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes suffered a heartbreaking loss to in-state rival Iowa State on the road in 3OT. Iowa had the game in hand after going up late in the 4th only to let the Cyclones score late. From there, they each traded scores in OT periods until Iowa managed only a FG in 3OT. ISU would score a touchdown on their possession.
Next Week: vs. Pitt @ 12 on ESPN2
Notre Dame: The Irish also suffered a tough loss to rival Michigan. Turnovers have plagued Notre Dame - they turned the ball over NINE times in two games, including four times tonight to the Wolverines. Tommy Rees, despite the turnovers, had the game won for Notre Dame with 30 seconds left only for Denard Robinson to lead Michigan to a thrilling victory.
Next Week: vs. Michigan State @ 3:30 on NBC
South Florida: The Bulls did not suffer a letdown following their win over the Irish, beating Ball State 37-7. B.J. Daniels had a huge game, going 28 of 39 for 359 yards and a TD while the Bulls amassed over 500 yards of offense.
Next Week: vs. Florida A&M @ 7 on ESPN3
Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights suffered a tough loss on the road to North Carolina, losing 24-22. The defense kept Rutgers in the game, forcing five Tar Heel turnovers. The offense struggled against North Carolina's talented defense, gaining 244 total yards on offense, with only one of those coming on the ground.
Next Week: Bye
Utah: The Utes, in their first Pac-12 game, lost a close one to USC in the Coliseum 17-14 after the potential game-tying FG was blocked. Despite forcing three Trojan turnovers, the offense couldn't score against USC, gaining just over 300 yards of offense and only 81 yards on the ground.
Next Week: @ BYU @ 9:15 on ESPN2
Connecticut: The Huskies lost a close game in Nashville to Vanderbilt, 24-21. The offense failed to score any TDs for UConn and failed to crack the 200 yard mark in total offense. Despite that, the defense and special teams did their part to keep Connecticut in the game.
Next Week: vs. Iowa State (9/16) @ 8 on ESPN2
Cincinnati: The Bearcats kept the game close in the first quarter, but ultimately fell to Tennessee in Knoxville 45-23. Cincinnati had spent the offseason trying to improve their defense which struggled last season, but that did not seem to be the case as the Vols amassed over 500 yards on the Bearcats and did not turnover the ball once.
Next Week: vs. Akron @ 3:30 on ESPN3
Louisville: The Cardinals were upset on Thursday by Florida International, losing 24-17 in a game that really wasn't close as at one point the score was 21-3 FIU. Despite gaining over 400 yards of offense and keeping FIU under 300 yards, T.Y. Hilton of FIU ran wild, ending with 201 receiving yards on 7 receptions.
Next Week: @ Kentucky @ 7 on ESPNU
West Virginia: The Mountaineers started out slow, trailing Norfolk State 12-10 at the half, but outscored the Spartans 45-0 in the second half to win 55-12. WVU really moved the ball well, gaining over 500 yards of offense while keeping Norfolk State scoreless in the second half and under 300 total yards.
Next Week: @ Maryland @ 12
Syracuse: Like Pitt, the Orange also struggled with an FCS opponent, beating Rhode Island 21-14. 3rd down conversion hurt the Orange; Syracuse went 3-12 on third down. Syracuse also did very little on the ground, only gaining 36 total yards.
Next Week: @ USC @ 8 on FX