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FACTS & STATS: Site: Heinz Field (65,050) -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Television: ESPN3.com. Home Record: Buffalo 0-0, Pittsburgh 0-0. Away Record: Buffalo 0-0, Pittsburgh 0-0. Neutral Record: Buffalo 0-0, Pittsburgh 0-0. Conference Record: Buffalo 0-0, Pittsburgh 0-0. Series Record: Pittsburgh leads, 2-0.

GAME NOTES: The post Dave Wannstedt era at Pittsburgh will begin this Saturday evening when Todd Graham's Panthers take on the Buffalo Bulls at Heinz Stadium.

Wannstedt's departure was rather surprising considering he led the Panthers to 26 wins over his last three seasons, and that includes seven wins a year ago. However, after claiming a share of the Big East title Wannstedt was relieved of his duties. Despite the loss of their coach, the Panthers went on to win their second straight postseason game, defeating Kentucky in the Compass Bowl.

Initially Mike Haywood was set to take over in Pittsburgh, but only 16 days into his tenure as the head man he was let go because of legal problems. In stepped Graham, who had tremendous success at Tulsa. However, now Graham is in a much tougher conference and it will be interesting to see if the Panthers are ready to go in 2011 after the coaching carousal.

The Bulls took on a new head coach last season in Jeff Quinn and it is safe to assume the two-win campaign was not the way he wanted to start his career in Buffalo. After a 2-3 start to the 2010 season the Bulls went on to lose their last seven contests and five of those setbacks came by double figures. With a year under his belt, coach Quinn is hoping his Bulls are ready to make a move forward.

This will be the third matchup between the two schools on the gridiron. The previous two meetings took place in 2008 and 2009. The most recent showdown was a lopsided one in favor of the Panthers, who posted a 54-27 decision.

The drop-off in offensive production was certainly noticeable for Buffalo. In 2008 the Bulls averaged over 30.0 ppg, in 2009 the team posted just over 24.0 ppg, but last year the Bulls were held to a meager 14.1 ppg. That would explain the two wins.

Most of those starters are back though, so coach Quinn is looking for improved numbers. Chazz Anderson, who transferred from Cincinnati will lead the team under center. Anderson only started two games for the Bearcats, but coach Quinn has high hopes for his new signal caller.

There will be a number of options for the quarterback, as the majority of the receiving corps is back, including Marcus Rivers who led the team in receptions (50), yards (690) and touchdowns (five).

While the play under center was erratic last year, the ground game was even worse, as the Bulls churned out just 3.1 yards per carry. Brandon Oliver led the way as a true freshman, but totaled just 298 yards. If the offensive line can put forth a better showing this time around, Oliver should have much improved numbers.

While the offense is set up for a better showing in 2011, the defense might not be as fortunate. Buffalo surrendered 27.1 ppg last season and has only three starters back this year.

Steven Means will anchor a front line that allowed 159 rushing yards per contest, but outside of him this unit is riddled with inexperience.

The best player for this defense resides at linebacker in Khalil Mack. As a freshman Mack tallied 68 stops and 4.5 sacks, and his ability to get into the backfield will be crucial since the front line will need time to gel.

It does not get any easier when breaking down the secondary for Buffalo, as coach Quinn does not return a single starter. The hope is that underclassmen Najja Johnson and Cortney Lester can step in and give Buffalo two quality corners.

Coach Graham takes over an offense that has lost some key figures from a year ago, but the first-year head man does return the team's starting quarterback in Tino Sunseri.

The junior quarterback is one of the more consistent quarterbacks in the Big East after a consistent and accurate 2010, when he threw for 2,572 yards and completed nearly 65 percent of his passes.

Pitt's air attack returns good size at receiver in 6-4, 190-pound sophomore Devin Street and 6-5, 220-pound junior Mike Shanahan. However, the loss of Jon Baldwin to the NFL will surely hurt.

The loss of Baldwin might hurt through the first couple of weeks, but the departure of tailback Dion Lewis will not be felt as much because coach Graham inherits a talented back in Ray Graham. Graham did a great job as Lewis' backup a year ago, rumbling for 922 yards on 6.2 yards per attempt and will be the featured back in 2011.

The Panthers have done a good job defensively over the past couple of seasons, and even though there is a new coach on the sideline there is enough returning talent on that side of the football to make Pitt a dangerous squad in 2011.

The biggest obstacle is adjusting to a new system, but the Panthers have two veteran players in defensive end Brandon Lindsey and tackle Chase Alecxih to make it work. Lindsey posted 10 sacks a year ago en route to a Second Team All-Big East selection, while Alecxih's 7.5 sacks got him a spot on the Second Team as well.

However, since coach Graham is running a 3-4 scheme, Lindsey will now move to the outside linebacker slot, making an already potent unit even stronger. Graham has the talent in the linebacking unit to make the 3-4 work. Along with Lindsey, the squad will also feature Max Gruder.

One area that Pitt has enjoyed success over the past few seasons has come against the pass, and that is likely to continue this year with Antwuan Reed at corner, and Jarred Holley at safety.

When a new coach takes over at a school there is always a transitional phase. There will likely be one at Pitt, but it will be less severe thanks to the returning talent on the roster. One thing is for sure, coach Graham should have a strong debut, as the Panthers should roll the Bulls.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Pittsburgh 48, Buffalo 14