Pitt vs. Buffalo: Bulls have challenged Panthers a bit in series

Pitt has faced Buffalo three times in their history, and while they've won all three contests, Buffalo has certainly put up a bit of a fight.

The first meeting in 2008 was the closest game, as Pitt won 27-16. Despite a rushing attack of Lesean McCoy and Larod Stephens-Howling, both now in the NFL, the Panthers led by only a point in the fourth quarter. A subsequent touchdown and field goal padded the lead and provided the winning margin, but for three quarters, Pitt had all it could handle. Part of the reason Buffalo hung in the game? Current Green Bay Packers running back James Starks led all rushers with 97 yards.

The two teams squared off in 2009 and Pitt doubled up the Bulls, 54-27. That game wasn't close, but last year's contest was for most of the game. Pitt led only 7-3 at half in the first game of the High Octane Era and then led only 21-16 into the fourth quarter. Two touchdowns helped Pitt pull away, but for much of the game, the Bulls hung with Pitt.

Pitt is the more talented team and should win on Saturday, but nothing's guaranteed - especially because this team is arguably worse than any of the three that have played Buffalo in those previous games.

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