By Mike Kovak, Staff writer

mkovak@observer-reporter.com

PITTSBURGH - Dave Wannstedt knows the wondrous highs of coaching - he's one of a handful of coaches to serve as a defensive coordinator for a national champion (Miami, 1987) and a Super Bowl winner (Dallas, 1992).

Wannstedt's also heard the critics.

He lost his job as the head coach of the Chicago Bears following the 1998 season after posting consecutive 4-12 records. Then, with the Miami Dolphins, Wannstedt went from a 10-game winner in 2003 to 1-7 before being fired in 2004.

Five games into his third year as Pitt's head coach, Wannstedt's once fervent fan base is dwindling with each loss. And the critics are gaining momentum as Pitt (2-3) prepares to host Navy (3-2) Wednesday at Heinz Field. Kickoff is 8 p.m. and the game will be televised by ESPN.

"I've been through (criticism) on a lot of different levels for a lot of different things," Wannstedt said. "You have to focus on what you're doing. You know the reason why you are struggling and you look at it very objectively.

"You say, 'Is there anything else we can do to improve the situation? What do we have control over? What don't we have control over?' Then you act accordingly."

The Panthers are struggling in several areas, particularly quarterback and a defense that limits yards but fails to produce turnovers.

Wannstedt said the Panthers plan to add more to the offense, which will be directed by freshman quarterback Pat Bostick a second straight game. Game plans against Virginia and Connecticut - both blowout losses - were conservative.

And the statistics prove Pitt's struggles.

The Panthers are 103rd nationally in total offense (315 yards per game), 95th in pass offense (188.0), 99th in scoring offense (20.4) and 79th in rushing offense (127.0) despite being bolstered by the emergence of freshman tailback LeSean McCoy, who has rushed for 503 yards.

"We need to take a step forward," Wannstedt said. "In order for us to win this game, we're going to have to score 28 points and we're not going to do that totally on the ground. We're going to come out of this game balanced and mix it up."

Navy's defense could provide Bostick opportunities to gain confidence.

The Midshipmen are 104th in total defense and they're allowing an average of 31.4 points per game.

"I'm sure they are looking at us as a chance to get healthy. Everybody does," Navy coach Paul Johnson said. "I'm sure they want to win. I don't think we've played anybody that didn't want to win. Our backs are against the wall too."

Navy's option offense, led by quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, figures to pose problems for a Pitt defense that ranks ninth nationally in yards allowed (268.4 per game) and 27th against the rush (111.0).

Despite the numbers, Pitt's defense has created only six turnovers and produced 13 sacks.

"In the situations that we have been in, we haven't been ahead where we can turn the guys loose and get to the opponent," Wannstedt said. "When a team has a 20-point lead, they're very conservative and it's been tough to come up with turnovers."

Bits and pieces - In addition to honoring Curtis Martin at halftime, former Pitt Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett will serve as the Panthers' honorary captain while former Navy quarterback Roger Staubach, the 1963 Heisman winner, will be the Midshipmen's honorary captain. ... Pitt's game against Cincinnati on Oct. 20 will start at noon and be televised locally by WTAE.

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