Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads didn't have to watch film of the loss to Connecticut last season to prepare for Saturday's meeting at Heinz Field. He has replayed it many times in his mind.

"I have nightmares about it," Rhoads said, jokingly, yesterday.

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Next

• Game: Pitt (2-1) vs. Connecticut (3-0).
• When: 7 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Heinz Field.
• TV: ESPNU.

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He likely isn't the only one who has nightmares of the 46-45 double-overtime loss that cost Pitt a bowl bid.

Conservative play-calling was a contributing factor as the Panthers failed to hold a 14-point lead, but the defense's inability to stop the Huskies was the reason Pitt lost. Connecticut had 317 yards on the ground and mounted two drives of 75 yards or more in the final 10 minutes to tie score, then won with a 2-point conversion in the second overtime.

Making a bad story worse -- aside from the fact the Huskies didn't score more than 24 points against any other Division I-A defense that season -- is that most of the damage was done by mediocre quarterback D.J. Hernandez, who rushed for 130 yards and threw four touchdown passes.

Rhoads said Hernandez, who was benched for poor play several times last season and then was moved to wide receiver in the offseason, had a career day and deserves credit. But he knows his defense didn't put its best foot forward that day.

"That was a game, if [Hernandez] would have scripted for himself, I don't think he could play any better," Rhoads said. "But we've obviously got to tackle a lot better. The fact that we gave up so many big plays, we just have to eliminate it like we have so far."

The Huskies' quarterback this season is Tyler Lorenzen (6-5, 226). He isn't quite as mobile as Hernandez but still poses a threat to run.

"He is big and strong and fast and he is an extremely accurate passer," Rhoads said. "Hopefully, we won't see the scrambling display we saw last year, but he will tuck the ball and go."

NOTES -- Pitt running backs coach David Walker said freshman Greg Williams will be the backup tailback if LaRod Stephens-Howling (ribs) isn't healthy enough to play. ... Offensive tackle Jason Pinkston (shoulder) was held out of practice for precautionary reasons. Pinkston and defensive linemen Chris McKillop (shoulder) and Mick Williams (shoulder) are expected to play Saturday. ... Kevan Smith and Pat Bostick split reps at practice yesterday but coach Dave Wannstedt said "nothing has changed about the quarterback situation."