Old Dominion @ Pittsburgh preview

After dropping a defensive struggle at Virginia Tech a week ago, Pittsburgh takes a break from its ACC slate when it hosts FCS member Old Dominion at Heinz Field on Saturday. The Panthers can notch their best start to a season since 2009 with a win, but they'll have to slow the high-powered Monarchs to do so. Old Dominion, which will join Conference USA next season, is averaging 45 points a game.

Pittsburgh saw its three-game winning streak come to an end last week, falling to the No. 20 Hokies. After scoring 107 points in back-to-back wins against Duke and New Mexico, the Panthers are suddenly slumping offensively, scoring just 33 points over their past two outings. Pitt's running game has been its biggest problem ranking 105th in the nation and averaging less than three yards a carry in its past three games.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ROOT. Line: None.

ABOUT OLD DOMINION (4-2): The Monarchs are paced by All-America quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who won the Walter Payton Award last year after throwing for an NCAA-record 5,076 yards. The award is given to the best player in the FCS and Heinicke continues to pace an offense that has posted over 450 yards five times this season. ODU is coming off a bye week after rallying to beat Liberty 21-17 in its last outing.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (3-2): The Panthers are off to an uneven start in their ACC debut. Pitt allowed 96 total points in two of its conference matchups then shut the door in the other two contests, limiting opponents to just one touchdown led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who leads the nation in sacks per game. Quarterback Tom Savage has been a warrior in the pocket, tossing 10 touchdowns on the season, but he has been sacked 15 times in the past two games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is the first meeting between the two teams.

2. ODU is 4-1 coming off bye weeks.

3. Heinicke was 39-of-52 passing for a season-high 450 yards and two touchdowns last game.

PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 30, Old Dominion 20