I think the Pitt experience (and the NIU game) are the outliers here. Against Pitt, we had 2 unlucky (probably avoidable, but not direct mistakes) picks that got us 2 scores down in the first quarter. We played the whole game without our starting guards at full health and without our top receiver in McGowan. Even still, we kept up yardage-wise. Defense, I don't really have an explanation, that was just bad. Against NIU, first game, Sims playing with one eye closed or something (I know Sims is good, he just had a really weird game. If he hits any one of his missed throws we win easy).
If we can get the Guards back healthy and/or McGowan, we should be fine. Hopefully we can get some pressure on the QB, or at least not let TEs run free every play.