Conner makes Pitt look like Wisconsin east

IOWA CITY - The pendulum-like precision of Pittsburgh's running attack bears a strong resemblance to Wisconsin's power attack under former offensive coordinator Paul Chryst.

There's a reason for that. Chryst, now in his third season as Pitt's head coach, served as Wisconsin's offensive coordinator from 2005-2011. His teams ran the football with a physical running back behind a large offensive line. This year is no different. Chryst's offensive line averages 318 pounds and his running back weighs 250.

As in Chryst's final days at Wisconsin, Pitt's running game ranks among the nation's best. The 3-0 Panthers average 344 yards a game (fifth nationally) and have racked up 12 rushing touchdowns (fourth).

'We're definitely doing similar things to what he was doing at Wisconsin,” said Pitt running back James Conner, a true sophomore. 'I knew what type of coach he is. He likes to run the ball. So it's everything that we expected. He's recruiting big linemen, he recruited a big back in me. So we're familiar with it and things are rolling so far. We're running the ball pretty good this year.”

That's an understatement coming from Conner, who ranks fourth nationally with 181 yards a game. He's first in touchdowns (eight) and second in attempts per game (26.67).

Conner also has vaulted up the Pitt rushing charts. His 544 yards are the most through three games in school history. Ranking second on that list is Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett. Conner has seven career 100-yard rushing days, including a 229-yard effort against Bowling Green in last year's Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

This year he ran for four touchdowns in the season opener against Delaware and followed with 214 yards against Boston College. Last week he lost a fumble, offered a passionate halftime mea culpa and promptly blasted Florida International for 177 yards and three scores.

'I try to run hard and be real physical,” Conner said. 'You've got to be playing this game. Every game we want to go out and be the most physical team.”

Conner hails from Erie, Pa., like former Iowa safety Bob Sanders, who Conner calls 'an Erie legend.” Conner also embodies Sanders' physical style of play. Hawkeye defenders compare Conner to Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell and Ohio State's Carlos Hyde, both of whom are big backs with quick feet. Conner also has a nasty streak.

'I've watched a lot of film on him. He's a great back,” Iowa defensive tackle Carl Davis said. 'There's not too many guys you see at 250 pounds that move like that. He's got a good offensive line in front of him. Just looking forward to playing against him. We've played against some good backs before and this presents a whole new challenge for us. We've played against David Johnson in the first game; he's versatile. But I think this guy brings a whole new set of skills.”

'He's a beast,” Iowa safety John Lowdermilk said. 'He's very big, very physical, very patient. He's got great vision. He waits to see the hole, then he hits it. He gets on the second level really quick and then he wants to hurt people. It's obviously a challenge.”

Conner has learned the Wisconsin-style of power football from one of the Badgers' best backs. Former Wisconsin second-team All-American running back Brian Calhoun is Pitt's assistant strength and conditioning coach. Pitt's running backs coach is John Settle, a former NFL running back who coached Wisconsin's P.J. Hill, John Clay and Montee Ball.

Conner often goes over video with Calhoun and Settle and they analyze more than just Conner's style of play.

'(Calhoun) had a lot of success at Wisconsin so we watch his tape,” Conner said. 'He gives him tips and pointers and works with me on the field, so he's been a great help.

'My own coach, John Settle, he has a Super Bowl ring. He was in the NFL for many years and had some success at Appalachian State. He's teaching me a lot of things in his game. If I listen to those two, and continue to do that, I'll be well off. Those two are the main people who I look up to.”

Conner already has entered Heisman Trophy discussion and facing Iowa could help enhance his visibility. While some Pitt fans have referred to this game as a test, Conner said the team is focused 'on being 4-0.”

'I think we can accomplish a lot, if we take it game-by-game, and everybody does their job,” Conner said. 'I feel like the sky is the limit.”

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