ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

Pittsburgh's Jonathan Baldwin created a buzz last season with his electrifying blend of size and skills.

	Justin K. Aller/Icon SMI
	In his last three games, Jonathan Baldwin has 12 catches for 314 yards and two scores.

Through five games this season, though, Baldwin has already eclipsed his freshman totals in receptions (19) and yards (428) while still averaging 22.5 yards per catch.

"When I was a freshman, I didn't really know too much," the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Baldwin says. "I didn't really know what to study on film or anything. Now that I know that stuff, I'm a lot more comfortable."

In his first year, Baldwin was used almost exclusively for deep patterns, as Pitt tried to take advantage of his height. That's still a strength, as Baldwin has hauled in two touchdown catches of over 70 yards in the past two weeks. But new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti isn't afraid to have Baldwin go over the middle with slants and other routes, either.

"This summer, I worked on every route that we had so I wouldn't just be running those long routes and have the playbook limited for me," Baldwin said.

In his last three games, Baldwin has 12 catches for 314 yards and two scores. He will be a key player on Saturday as Pitt welcomes Connecticut to Heinz Field.

UConn ranks 18th nationally in pass defense, surrendering fewer than 165 yards per game through the air. Cornerback Robert McClain already has three interceptions.

"From an offensive standpoint, this will be by far, and I use the word far, our biggest offensive challenge of the year," Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt said.

Scoring hasn't been much of a challenge for Wannstedt's team, which is tied for second in the Big East at 37 points per game. But in the last two games, the Panthers faced a young secondary at NC State and a banged-up one at Louisville. UConn has one of the most experienced and talented defensive backfields in the league and is getting safety Aaron Bagsby back in the flow after his early-season suspension.

"They're well-coached," Wannstedt said. "They are sound. They don't give up very many easy plays. They make you earn it."

The Huskies and Panthers mirror each other in many ways. Both like to run the ball, and both pride themselves on defense. Neither does a whole lot that's fancy.

"Their defense is pretty smart and pretty quick," Baldwin said. "Just like ours."

The difference, then, may come down to whether Pitt can take advantage of its playmakers in the passing game. As good as UConn's defense has been, the Huskies have not seen a fleet of receivers yet quite like Pittsburgh's. And they have definitely not seen a receiver as talented as Baldwin since last year's season finale. Baldwin had just one catch in that game, a Pitt victory at Rentschler Field.

But he's more dangerous this year as a sophomore. And that might tilt Saturday's game in the Panthers' favor.