How to watch Iowa vs. Pitt: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds

Remember when that retooled Iowa offense was supposed to help the Hawkeyes compete for a Big Ten West title? After two close wins over bad teams (Northern Iowa and Ball State) and a loss to another bad team (Iowa State), Iowa is officially in panic mode. In typical Kirk Ferentz fashion, Iowa’s coach played it incredibly conservative in his team’s 20-17 loss to Iowa State, punting on the ISU 36 and refusing to let anything happen downfield (or playing a quarterback who can’t throw downfield with one who can sitting on the bench).

Whatever the reason, Iowa fans are angry, and they’re calling for Ferentz’s head.

Meanwhile, Pitt has been impressive in starting 3-0 this season. This past week’s 42-25 win over Florida International might have been too close to comfort for some fans, but a 30-20 win over Boston College looks better after the Eagles beat USC. The Panthers have leaned on their running game and will see if they can continue to do that at home against a stout Iowa defensive line.

Game time: Noon ET

TV: ESPNU with Adam Amin, John Congemi and Niki Noto (sidelines) on the call

Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network, IMG College Sports Network (Pitt)

Online streaming: WatchESPN

Rankings and records: Pitt is 3-0 and receiving votes in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. Iowa is 2-1 and did not receive votes in either poll this week.

Vegas: Pitt began as a 4-point favorite, and that’s up to 7 points. The over/under is 46.5 points.

Weather forecast: Partly cloudy and 68.

Iowa has an incredibly easy schedule this year, but the Hawkeyes need to take advantage of it. Ending non-conference play 2-2 would make this season a major disappointment.

For Pitt, this would be a nice win over a decent opponent to take into ACC play. A 4-0 start to the season would put the Panthers in position to make a solid bowl game and it could make them the dark horse in their conference.

It’s tough to pick just the Iowa run game or the passing game as the key to this game. Both units have to be far better against Pitt than they have been all season, and this game will likely come down to how well the Panthers’ defense can stop the Hawkeyes.

Pitt had some defensive struggles against FIU, but the Iowa offense has been absolutely abysmal, failing to do anything in the run game against an Iowa State team that couldn’t stop anyone, and being extremely hesitant to throw the ball vertically. If that changes, the Hawkeyes have a chance, but if not, Pitt should run away with this one.

Read Black Heart Gold Pants for more Iowa coverage and Cardiac Hill for more on Pitt.