Pitt needs defensive turnaround — fast

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The quarterback’s state of mind was in doubt. The running back was a freshman backed up by another freshman. Not surprisingly, the offense was a big worry to Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt when the season started.

The defense? Couldn’t be better, not with seven starters returning, more depth along the defensive line than Pitt has had in years and second-team all-Big East defender Aaron Berry to anchor the secondary.

Since the season began, the defense couldn’t have played much worse.

“Very disappointed,” Wannstedt said.

The Panthers (3-1) gave up 500 yards or more in two of their last three games, including 500 to Buffalo, which has since lost to Central Michigan and Temple. North Carolina State put up 530 yards in rallying from a 14-point deficit to beat Pitt 38-31 last Saturday, or nearly 400 yards more than it gained against South Carolina.

“Before the season, our defense was looked at as being the best defense in the Big East and among the best in the country,” defensive lineman Gus Mustakas said. “The same with our defensive line, but we’re definitely not there right now. We need to get back to that level.”

Maybe Louisville (1-2) will be what the Panthers’ defense needs to turn itself around. The Cardinals had beaten Pitt seven times in a row before turning the ball over five times during a 41-7 loss in Pittsburgh last season.

Pitt is going through a short week of preparation before the Friday night game, but several players said that might be what they need to get focused and to quickly forget about the frequent breakdowns in recent weeks.

The Panthers gave up 443 yards to Buffalo and 322 against North Carolina State, but Louisville is eighth and last in scoring, sixth in total offense, fifth in passing offense and last in passing efficiency in the Big East. Similarly, Pitt is seventh in total defense and sixth in passing defense.

“How we respond to it will affect will affect the rest of our season,” offensive lineman John Malecki said.