And the excitement leading up to it is palpable. Especially here in Northeast Ohio. Why, that other Ohio team that’s playing somewhere in Texas tomorrow is barely registering a blip.

For Pitt, starting tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling is listed as questionable for the game. If he doesn’t go, Shane Brooks might get the start after his 9 carries for 43 yard effort in relief last week. Of course, Conredge Collins at fullback is at full strength so he might see some more touches. Plus, Coach Dave Wannstedt said Dorin Dickerson is nearly 100% finally, so he could be used.

The defense for Cinci is their strength with 10 starters from last year — though still quite young.

On defense, two starting linemen, a linebacker and cornerback are sophomores. On offense, the left tackle and the fullback are freshmen, while the quarterback is a sophomore. Other sophomores are the right guard and a wideout. So, the Bearcats are extremely young, but not without talent.

“I think their secondary’s very athletic, and their corners are very big,” Palko said. “They’re taller kids, and No. 13 (junior FS Haruki Nakamura) is a heckuva ball player. He’s a tough kid, and their linebackers are stout and athletic. Their D-line was young last year, but they’re much-improved.

“They love to get to the quarterback. They play hard, and they’re great football players. They have a very talented defense, and Coach D has them hyped up and ready to go. So, we have to be prepared for that.”

The beat writer for Cinci has also noted that getting pressure on the QB, even just knocking him about not necessarily sacks, is part fo what the Cinci D likes to do. Cinci feels good about their 1-AA shutout but knows there’s something of a difference.

“Pitt’s a little better than Eastern Kentucky,” [Cinci DC Pat] Narduzzi said.

EKU had an accomplished quarterback in Josh Greco, but Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko, a three-year starter and fifth-year senior, plays at a higher level. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Palko is a two-time second-team all-Big East selection who has passed for 5,755 yards in his career, which ranks fifth on Pitt’s career list.

UC head coach Mark Dantonio said Palko reminds him of former Ohio State quarterback Steve Bellisari.

Now, anyone who remembers Bellisari knows what a cheap shot that is.

Finally Pitt has a few strands of frustration and futility it needs to snap in this game.

Pitt was 0-5 on the road last year. The Panthers failed to score an offensive touchdown in their first 10 quarters on the road, then lost by a combined score of 87-33 in their last two road tests.

The Panthers also ended the 2004 season with a 35-7 shellacking by Utah in the Fiesta Bowl. To make matters worse, they have not fared well in Friday night games, either.

Last year, the Panthers played two Friday night games and lost them both, including a 16-10 overtime loss at the hands of MAC lightweight Ohio University.

And to complete the sad tale, the Panthers are 0-2 in their past two trips into Ohio.

Oh yeah, the Toledo game in 2003.