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Q: Mobile quaterbacks have been the bane of the panther defense's existence this year. Do you see Tony Pike causing any similar problems on Saturday, or do you think their back-up will play in any special packages, since he is very mobile?

Mark Schilajew, Huntingdon, Pa.

ZEISE: I don't see any special packages necessary because the Panthers did a great job of getting to him last year -- they just didn't tackle him. They had plenty of opportunities to make sacks but they missed too many tackles. They just need to make sure when they get to him they are fundamentally sound in their technique, grab him and wrap him up. The Bearcats don't give up many sacks so Pitt needs to get them when they have a shot.

Q: Does Pitt have anyone else on the roster capable of returning punts? While Aaron Smith seems sure-handed he doesn't seem to be even moderately elusive . Why not Cameron Saddler ?

Bernard Zuchelkowski, Brownsville, Pa.

ZEISE: Aaron Smith catches the ball -- and that seems to be the only thing that matters to this coaching staff. They don't want fumbles, muffed punts or anything even close to that -- so Smith will be the guy. Cameron Saddler got his chance -- and he fumbled the first punt he got a look at so that doesn't bode well for him getting a chance. There are some other guys, but again, the only thing that matters to this coaching staff is that the punt is fielded.

Q: Paul, I live in Alabama and see the Crimson Tide every day and I am no more impressed with these guys on defense than Pitt. Why is it we in the Big East get under sold by the media and they sell these guys in the SEC like they're the second coming or something?

Lou B., Tuscaloosa, Ala.

ZEISE: Because the SEC has won a ton of national titles in recent years and has a lot of defensive linemen drafted each year while the Big East is still struggling to gain an identity. I happen to think the SEC is overrated this year but in most years it is the best conference. I think if the Big East were to win a few national titles and start winning more big games against the other BCS conferences, the perception will begin to change.

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