BIG EAST Boston College will give Pitt another test Saturday

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Boston College has lost two straight to Pittsburgh for the first time since the schools helped formed the Big East football conference in 1991. The Eagles don't want to make it three in a row before taking off for the Atlantic Coast Conference next season.
Boston College (4-1, 1-0 in Big East) can start a season 5-1 for the first time since 1999 by beating the Panthers (3-2, 1-1) Saturday at Heinz Field.
However, Pitt's recent success against the Eagles -- and two recent Panthers comeback victories -- have BC coach Tom O'Brien more than a little worried.
"Pittsburgh seems to have found its stride," O'Brien said. "They've won a couple of close ball games now and it looks like they're becoming much more confident in everything they're doing."
The Panthers' problem is they had to rally from 17 points down at home to beat Division I-AA Furman 41-38, then had to come back from 13 points down to beat Temple 27-22 last week. Those wins came between a loss to Connecticut.
Coach Harris' status
Pitt's struggles to put away lesser-quality teams have raised questions about coach Walt Harris' status, even though his contract has two more seasons remaining at $600,000 per season.
Athletic director Jeff Long is aware of the rumblings, but won't comment about Harris until the two hold their annual post-season meeting.
Pitt sophomore QB Tyler Palko has made big improvements since the season started. But Palko's throwing (223 yards per game average, 7 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) must cover up for a mostly ineffective running game that averages only 2.7 yards per carry.
That number doesn't figure to improve much against a Boston College defense that allows only 84 yards per game rushing and is led by 6-foot-8 defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who is second in the Big East in sacks and tackles.