MPM: What is the injury report for the Cincinnati game?

Paul Zeise: Seems pretty good to be honest. I know LaRod Stephens-Howling had a wrist thing and it seems to be resolved and Billy Stull was a little banged up but he seems to be OK as well. So really, it seems like everything is going fairly well for the Panthers on this front.

DontShaveMyWannstache: Nate Byham seems like he does something good everytime he has the ball. I put him in the category of McCoy and Baldwin as a player that needs touches every game. What are your thoughts on this?

Paul Zeise: Absolutely and they should get it to him more and they do try to work him into the offense more but it isn't always easy to consistently throw the ball to the tight ends. I think the key is this -- when he does get opportunities he has made plays and there is no question he'll be in some NFL training camp when he is done at Pitt.

SDWC: Paul, Maybe I am being overly optimistic (I know, uncharacteristic of a Pitt fan), but I really like the matchup with Cincy. I just think that Pitt has made great strides in defending this type of offense, and unless they shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers and penalties, I think they win by 7-10 points. Am I nuts?

Paul Zeise: No, that isn't outlandish. I think a lot can go right and a lot can go wrong in this game because the teams are evenly matched. There is no doubt that Pitt can win this game, I think the Panthers need to avoid turnovers because that secondary is very good and will make them pay for throwing interceptions -- but I agree with you that McCoy can get rolling and carry the load against that defense.

Miami_or_Bust: If this team can't win the BE, but obviously still gets a bowl ... where do you see them going? I am assuming the ND will take the Gator.

Paul Zeise: I would be careful predicting the Gator is taking Notre Dame - the Gator could also take a Big 12 team and just might (in which case the Sun would take Notre Dame) -- but say Pitt loses to Cincy then wins against WVU and UConn to finish second in the conference. If the Sun is not an option I am thinking Charlotte would be where the Panthers end up -- or perhaps one step down even further to the International Bowl.

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion did Pitt and Cincinnati enter this season with the intention of using quarterback-by-committee?

Paul Zeise: I think it was quite amazing that two teams who have used so many quarterbacks, at last count we've come up with 13 if you count every player who has taken a snap or thrown a pass, have winning records. Of course, by committee is probably a stretch with regards to Pitt being as Bill Stull has started eight of nine games, but nevertheless it is quite amazing that both teams have used so many guys ...

Baldwin4Prez: WHAT ABOUT THE SCRIPT PITT?!?!?! I saw your commet in the Q&A and had to say something.

Paul Zeise: I love the script --- I think it is wonderful -- I just think people are kidding themselves when they talk as if it is Pitt's tradition being as Pitt won eight of its nine so-called national titles before it ever put on the script.

SDWC: Do you think Shady will find more room to run than he did against Louisville? If not then perhaps setting him up for more dump-off screens may be a way to get his hands on the ball.

Paul Zeise: Well yes, I think he will be able to run some because I don't know that Cincy will be able to bottle him up like Louisville did. He does so many things well and he is such a good player, it is hard to believe he'll have two off games in a row. The Bearcats secondary is good enough, however, to enable them to sell out to stop the run, so they could go that route, but I think the Panthers will have some things to get that defensive front on its heels a little to give McCoy some room.

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion how many quarterbacks has Pitt used this year? I mean, Brytus attempted a pass, McCoy and LaRod have both taken snaps, Kinder almost attempted a pass. The list goes on forever.

Paul Zeise: Well there was Stull, Smith, Bostick, Cross, McCoy, Stephens-Howling, Janocko, Brytus and Kinder did once attempt a pass -- so let's see -- that's nine -- and that's just on one team!!!

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion would this game still matter just as much if not for that monstrosity of a trophy?

Paul Zeise: Well I think in just three years it has become every bit as meaningful as the Land Grant Trophy, and that means, well not much ...

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion how do the following four factors rank in terms of the coming resurgence of Pitt football: 1. Throwback jerseys against Youngstown State. 2. The River City Rivalry. 3. Sweet Caroline. 4. Conor Lee's streak of consecutive extra points made. 5. The Wildcat package

Paul Zeise: Well you are confusing me -- that's five --- and nothing is more critical to the success of this team than Chris Ferris making sure Sweet Caroline over the loudspeaker.

johnny_drama: Paul, thank you once again for hosting the chat ... Do you think that any of the Pitt assistant coaches will leave at the end of the season to take jobs elsewhere? If so, who do you think are the most likely candidates?

Paul Zeise: Well Phil Bennet is obviously rumored to be in the mix in some capacity at Kansas State where he once coached but much of what I have heard is speculation. I think if some MAC school is looking for a head coach they could come looking for Greg Gattuso and there is always the danger of losing position coaches. I am sure there will be some turnover, but not likely the turnover we saw last season.

Sweet_Caroline: Paul, I couldn't help but to take a look at the non-conference games for next season, again I see another I-AA team, Youngstown St., and a game at Buffalo, what does Pitt have to gain by scheduling these teams, especially another road game against a MAC school? Those haven't played out so well in the past.

Paul Zeise: Well that is what non-conference scheduling has become. And Pitt has a really ridiculous deal with Buffalo -- I think it is like two games here and two games there -- you are right, taking these road trips to MAC schools doesn't make a lot of sense. As for I-AA -- I'd like to see the Big East eliminate these from their non-conference schedule but it is very difficult to find games some times and every team needs enough home games to pay the bills.

Baldwin4Prez: How is it playing @ Cincy? Loud crowd? Tough environment? Should home field be a factor in this "rivalry" game?

Paul Zeise: Well they are talking about some sort of a "red out" where all of the fans wear red and whatnot. I think the game is sold out and the fans are fairly close to the field so it will be very loud and I am sure very much a tough environment as it is the biggest game they've hosted in maybe forever.

SandlotWizard: With so many major programs moving toward the spread-option style offense, does that give Pitt an advantage in recruiting the pro-style passers? Has Pitt been recruiting QBs this year?

Paul Zeise: Yes, I think it does. I think players want to get to the NFL and one drawback to the spread stuff is that it is tough for some players to transition to a pro style offense. That being said -- plenty of skill position guys from spread teams have gotten drafted and done well in the NFL so I don't know if this is as valid of a criticism of the spread as it was five or six years ago.

Bob_Dylan: Paul: Do you think there is any chance that Kevin Collier may play defense next year? From what you have said, Chris Burns and Sharriff Harris should be the running backs if Shady isn't back next year. Is Collier's best chance to play on defense? And does he have the skills to play defense?

Paul Zeise: No, Kevin Collier is a running back and will compete with Burns and Harris ni the spring for the starting job. His best chance to play is at running back because that is his best position. He just has a stiff challenge to beat out Chris Burns, who really looks like he will become something special.

gregcross14: What is your gut feeling if Shady will turn pro after this year?

Paul Zeise: I think that it is very, very likely he will be in the NFL next year. I can't see many scenarios in which he stays at Pitt -- and people around the program are already bracing for that to happen.

Smash_Pike: Is it just me or is Notre Dame taking up possible Big East bowl spots ridiculous? Either join the conference in football or work out an agreement with another conference. Why did the Big East agree to this?

Paul Zeise: No because many of the bowl negotiations involving the Big East would not take place without the Notre Dame option. As much as people like to complain about Notre Dame -- they help the Big East secure bowl bids because they give the conference some leverage with bowls.

SandlotWizard: Pitt looks like they can at least finish 9-3 this season and make a solid Bowl game, if not win the Big East. Has this season vindicated Dave Wannstedt and erased the instability of his job?

Paul Zeise: Well yes and no -- he needs to finish it strong and then next year, with what is coming back, have another big year to validate his program or whatever. He clearly has things on the right track, but he needs to finish the job he started.

BurghGuy68: How do you think the Pitt secondary will hold-up this week? Pike seems to be their best QB at stretching out plays and I fear the CBs will have a hard time covering.

Paul Zeise: I think the secondary will be fine. I think they'll be able to cover the receivers -- it is staying disciplined and not biting when Pike rolls out and begins to run. He does a great job of getting the corners to step up and then throwing over them. Pitt's secondary has had a few busts, but it has played better in the last two games.

Baldwin4Prez: Do you think this is a down year for the Big East or is it more the case that teams like Pitt, Cincy, and WVU are just good teams?

Paul Zeise: I think there are some good teams in the Big East. I don't think there is a great team in the Big East. But these things are cyclical -- and after what WVU has done in bowl games recently, you really think any of these BCS teams from other conferences really want to play them?

DontShaveMyWannstache: How would you design a playoff in college football if it were up to you? I say, take every conference winner (11) and then the next 5 highest ranked teams to make a 16 team playoff. Every team would have a shot just like college basketball!!

Paul Zeise: I'd say take the six BCS conference champs and then take six at large teams based on BCS rankings and go from there with 12 teams -- four of which would get a bye.

Smash_Pike: Paul, who do you think will take over at Middle LB next year? What ever happened to Shayne Hale?

Paul Zeise: Shayne Hale is likely headed to Defensive end, I would guess, and the middle linebacker in waiting is likely going to be Brandon Lindsay as they moved him in there and moved Max Gruder to the outside..

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion would each of the Big East schools be better if they would hire Pitt guys? I'm thinking Tim Lewis at Rutgers, Sal Sunseri at Syracuse, Russ Grimm at Connecticut, Matt Cavanaugh at Cincinnati, Foge Fazio at West Virginia, etc.

Paul Zeise: I don't know about all that -- but if Kelly leaves Cinncy for Tennessee as rumored -- they, or Syracuse, could do a lot worse than Walt Harris. In fact, I think Walt would be perfect at either spot -- particularly Cincy given his Ohio recruiting ties. He's a good coach and he could make those teams fun to watch.

DontShaveMyWannstache: I hear people saying that despite losing McKillop and probably McCoy next year that the team could be better. I don't see how losing by far the best two players on the team that it could improve especially since it will be an inexperienced player who fills in both spots. What are you thought on this?

Paul Zeise: I think Chris Burns, I've said it before, is a lot better than anyone anticipated. He is going to be a big-time player from what I've seen. And the middle linebacker spot at Pitt is going to be very much helped out by the fact that the defensive line will be so dominant again. It is a long way off, I wouldn't worry too much about it just yet but I really think this team will be fine.

PittFanTJ: What are the chances we see the Panthers come out in the old Script uniforms against WVWho?

Paul Zeise: There is no chance, unless the marketing types at Pitt are lying to me about this issue ...

SandlotWizard: If Pitt finishes strong this season, wins the Big East, and really looks strong heading into next year, do you think there is a chance that McCoy returns to Pitt?

Paul Zeise: like I said, I think there is little chance McCoy will be playing for Pitt next year.

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion will Pitt's trustees and athletic department members be taking private jets to the River City Rivalry?

Paul Zeise: Perhaps -- perhaps they have learned from their brethren CEO's in the auto industry about how to live it up while claiming to be broke.....

DontShaveMyWannstache: Losing two starters on the Linebacking corps hurts next year hurts. With only Greg Williams coming back, how do you see this position shaking out next year? Who do you think will emerge the starters?

Paul Zeise: Well Greg Williams, Brandon Lindsey and Shane Murray cuold be the starters with Max Gruder, Manny Williams and Tristan Roberts waiting in the wings along with --- perhaps Elijah Fields. Don't rule that move out, either.

Be_Careful_With_That_Trophy_Euge: Paul, in your expert opinion is there any connection between Pitt's loss to Rutgers and the economic downturn?

Paul Zeise: No, Pitt lost to Rutgers because it created bad karma with certain decisions regarding team hotels to stay at, or so we are told.........

PittDC: Prediction on the good, bad and the ugly tonight? Also score prediction?

Paul Zeise: OK, The Good -- McCoy gets back on track runs for 140 yards and two touchdowns. The Bad -- The Bearcats intercept a few passes and run them back deep into Pitt territory, thus setting up scores The ugly -- Both coaches get confused by the number of quarterbacks they are using and thus neither offense gets on track. Score prediction -- I'm leaning to 17-16 -- but I can't figure out who I think will have the 17......

Zeise_fan_club: I just came to the realization that the Gator and Sun bowl ties are a shame - as long as Notre Dame is bowl eligible, the Big East will not be invite to participate in those bowls. That means the Big East #2 will likely be playing in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Is there any reason to believe that this new conference commissioner - another basketball stiff from Providence - is going to be able to deliver any better bowl situations that the smoke and mirrors produced by Tranghese?

Paul Zeise: That is not necessarily true -- Notre Dame could go to the BCS and the Irish are also desirable to other bowls, so they won't go there every year.

PittFanTJ: The difficulty of scheduling teams from bigger conferences is that sometimes they get out of the deal like Clemson did. Also what's the deal with Central Florida, are we still playing them here next season?

Paul Zeise: No that Central Florida thing seems to be put off for another year or something. I am not exactly sure what is the deal with it but I don't think they are on the schedule next year as the games are YSU, Navy, NC State, Buffalo and Notre Dame.

Zeise_fan_club: Paul, how much do you think we could sell that River City Rivalry Trophy for on eBay or Craig's List?

Paul Zeise: Well there probably is some junk collector out there who'd be willing to pay about $4.66 for it, but then again I doubt it ...

Zeise_fan_club: Is Pat Bostick getting enough time to remain sharp as a backup? What are the chances Kevan Smith is back with this team next year?

Paul Zeise: I think Kevan Smith will be back with the team -- why wouldn't he be? He is working hard and he is improving -- he is getting closer to becoming a good player, now would not be the time for him to leave. As for Bostick, he, like Smith, will continue to work hard and improve and he will be the back-up for one more year.

Fear_the_Mustache: Paul, my dad and I are driving to the game on Saturday morning. Do you need a lift?

Paul Zeise: No, I will be there Friday night, but thanks for offering!!!

Mish_and_chips: Paul, in your expert opinion is Be_careful_with_that-trophy_euge bothering you with the way he phrases questions?

Paul Zeise: Oh boy, I think the tailgating has begun for the Steelers game or something as there seems to be a lot more, um, zany questions this week than in recent weeks -- and that doesn't even count the 35 I couldn't get to!!!! Anyway, I'm out of time, thanks for participating and we will do it again next week, though we need to find a different day since Thursday is for eating Turkey. Thanks for the, um, great questions and enjoy the game!