The Week Ahead: Pitt visits their home away from home

Pitt will look to enter their first season of ACC play undefeated and possibly ranked. In order to do so, the Panthers will have to prevail in a step up in competition this coming week. Pitt's non-conference schedule has had the critics buzzing so far this year. They'll still be able to talk before the Panthers take on Duke, UNC, and others, but Cincinnati will help beef it up slightly before finishing off with Cal-Poly at home this week.

Everyone will be able to see the Bearcats and Panthers on Tuesday night since the game is on ESPN. The game will mark Pitt's second visit to the NYC area this season already and also their return to the very familiar Madison Square Garden. It is part of the Jimmy V Classic, so if you are feeling charitable during the game, make a donation to a good cause. Cincinnati comes into the game with a 7-1 mark and on their resume includes a win over Pitt's first ACC opponent coming up in NC State. Pitt and Cincinnati are no strangers, so this game should have a solid conference game-like feel.

After jumping up in stature against Cincy, Pitt will jump back down on Saturday at home against Cal-Poly. The Mustangs come out of the Big West Conference and have a 3-5 record right now. The game will have a 4:00 p.m. start and you can break out your computer to check out the game on ESPN3. The Panthers will have to avoid a let down with students home for the holiday break and a lesser opponent. This week marks an opportunity for Pitt to crack into the top 25 ... if they can stay unbeaten.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter@PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author @BrunoPittsburgh