CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Austin Peay football (0-1) is set to take on Pittsburgh (0-0) at Heinz Field in the second of their three-game fall slate at 3 p.m. today.

It will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools, as well as Pittsburgh’s first game of the new season.

On Aug. 29, the Governors fell 24-17 to Central Arkansas in a road contest to start the 2020 campaign.

Austin Peay’s roster was not at full strength against the Bears, but interim head coach Marquase Lovings is optimistic players such as Preseason OVC Offensive Player of the Year DeAngelo Wilson and standout defensive tackle Josephus Smith both can give it a go against the Panthers.

Pittsburgh is favored by double digits, meaning many experts do not foresee the OVC program pulling the upset over the ACC program.

Three notable football alums of Pittsburgh and active NFL players include Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals, Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams and James Conner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Governors will reportedly earn $500,000 for playing in the contest.

Governor offense out of sorts

Other than freshman running back C.J. Evans’s 75-yard touchdown run to kick off the 2020 college football season, Austin Peay’s offense had difficulty finding its way against Central Arkansas.

In his first game back under center as starting quarterback, Jeremiah Oatsvall appeared to still be shaking off the rust at times.

The junior finished just 14-of-31 for 181 passing yards and threw an interception against the Bears. Oatsvall was able to find his way into the end zone from one-yard out late in the fourth quarter.

What to expect

Austin Peay’s offensive line will have its hands full Saturday when it goes against last year’s No. 1 sacking team in the nation. Pittsburgh’s defensive end Patrick Jones II and Jaylen Twyman (who has opted out this season) combined for 19 sacks in 2019.

Another impressive pass rusher Rashad Weaver also returns to the Panthers defensive front after missing all of last year due to injury.

How to watch and listen

Saturday’s game will be televised on the ACC Network and can also be streamed on ESPN+.

Brian Rives and Van Stokes will also have the call on radio which can be heard on 104.1-FM/540-AM ESPN Clarksville.