With a 35-23 win over Miami (FL) on November 29, the Pittsburgh Panthers saved their season to raise their record to 6-6, which made them bowl eligible. Now, they are slated to face Houston in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. But, they should not feel relaxed against this high-powered defense.

The Panthers (6-6, 4-4) are riding on a two-game winning streak. Their winning has been mostly dependent on their running back, James Conner. The winner of the ACC Player of the Year Award, he has rushed for 1675 yards on only 277 carries, a six yard average. In addition, he has accounted for 24 touchdowns, which is triple the amount of the next player on the team.

Even though their rushing ranks 16th in the nation with 251.3 yards per game, their passing games leads much to be desired. Passing accounts for only 192.7 yards per game, which is 101st in the nation. It is powered by a great tandem, however. Chad Voytek has completed 158 passes for 2011 yards, with 69 receptions and 1149 yards going to wide receiver Tyler Boyd. I think that if Boyd is not double-teamed, he could create havoc with Houston’s secondary.

Pittsburgh’s defense is much better against the pass than the run. The Panthers have given up 192.7 yards per game on the ground this season. On the other hand, Pittsburgh have allowed 156 yards per game through the air, which ranks 50th in the nation. In addition, they have allowed 25.6 points per game, which ranks 47th. This could be a problem vs. Houston, which has a great rusher and a passing tandem of their own.

Houston (7-5, 5-3) ended the season with a close loss, 38-31, to Cincinnati, who wound up winning part of the AAC Title. They also have a big rusher in Kenneth Farrow. Farrow has 164 carries for 934 yards, a 5.7 average, which propelled the team to have 181.5 rushing yards per game, which is 49th in the nation. He also has accounted for 13 touchdowns.

And, just like Pittsburgh, they have a great passing duo. This time, it includes quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (162 completions for 1736 yards and nine touchdowns) and wide receiver Deontay Greenbury (68 receptions for 756 yards and four touchdowns. This connection has helped Houston earn 226.6 passing yards per game, which is the 68th in the nation. Therefore, both defenses will have the trouble of covering a top receiver, but Houston might have an advantage.

Houston’s defense is one of the best in the nation, mainly due to the fact that they have only allowed 19.5 yards per game, 11th in the nation. They have only allowed 198.3 yards per game through the air (29th in the nation) and 136.3 yards rushing per game (31st per game). This is considerably better than Pitt, and because their offenses are almost alike in the stats, Houston’s defense could be the difference.

End Result: Sorry, Pitt fans. Due to its defense, Houston should pull out a close win, 30-27.