# The Panthers open their 2007 football season against the Eastern Michigan Eagles this Saturday night at Heinz Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm EST. There will be a fireworks display after the game put on by the folks at Zambelli in New Castle.

# Saturday night's game will not be televised but the Mid American Conference expects 57 of their games to be televised this fall. The next four games for Eastern Michigan will be televised.

# The only time Pitt played Eastern Michigan was on September 9, 1995 when John Majors was the coach at Pitt. The Panthers won 66-30 by exploding for 21 third quarter points. The Eastern Michigan quarterback that day was Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Batch completed 21 of 38 passes for 264 yards against the Panthers.

# In the only game these two teams have played Eastern Michigan jumped out to an early lead by taking the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. EMU also led 10-7 at the end of the first period. Wide receiver Dietrich Jells hauled in 4 passes for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns that day for the Panthers.

# Last year Eastern Michigan struggled through an injury riddled year and finished 1-11. The Eagles did upset Toledo 17-13 last October. They were also had competitive in losses against Ohio University (16-10) and Kent State (14-6). They also gave bowl bound Western Michigan all they could handle in an 18-15 loss on the road.

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