Like every year since Pitt joined the ACC, the Coastal division appears wide open. In 2013, Duke had their best season in most of our lifetimes and won the division with a 10-2 regular season (6-2 in the ACC). In 2014, a 10-2 (6-2 in ACC) Georgia Tech had a season for the ages which culminated in an Orange Bowl victory over a top 10 SEC team (Mississippi State). Each season had a 5-3 team in second place (2013 had three), so there was no wiggle room; they had to win six for the outright title.
The point is if the goal is to win the Coastal, games like VT are imperative. Yes, every ACC game counts, but a reasonable look at the Coastal would put VT as no better than the third best ACC team Pitt will face, behind Duke and GT. That can always change, of course, but I can only deal with the present. VT’s defense is sketchy, especially against the run, their offense can’t run the ball consistently other than with QB Brendan Motley, and their best player on D, Kendall Fuller, may be out or limited with a knee injury. Given Pitt’s stout run defense thus far, the ability to key on Motley and the passing game gives Pitt an advantage when the Hokies have the ball. Pitt’s running game is struggling and VT’s defense may be just what the doctor ordered.
Pitt has four ACC road games: VT, GT, Duke, and Syracuse. My reasonable goal is to go 3-1 in these four games (a loss to GT or Duke) and 3-1 at home (UVA, Miami, UNC, and Louisville). I do not see a Pitt win against GT and Duke on the road and losing to both is conceivable and reasonable. That’s why VT is so important if the goal is to win the Coastal: do not start off with a loss and require a win over the two best teams in the division on the road.
Now, if the goal is to win seven and go to a mediocre bowl game, by all means this game is not a must win. With Cuse, UVA, and Louisville looking beatable, Pitt can find five more wins this season. Hell, Pitt always keeps it close against Notre Dame at worst.
But, if the goal is to win the Coastal, a statement this Saturday in Blacksburg will be a good start.
They’ve beat FCS Furman, and an AWFUL Purdue team.
They have also forced 11 turnovers through 4 games, and scored twice one defense, and have a blocked punt and a blocked kick, so I don’t know… Still seems Beamerballish on the surface.
I say treat them like a wounded animal. Don’t mess around. Run the ball down their throat, don’t turn it over, put them out of their misery quickly, and move on.
I obviously liked our chances much better with Connor. However, those were the cards we were dealt. Hopefully, the running game can get on track and the OL can start to gel a little bit.
I’m glad that Price seems healthy as he is listed as the starter on this week’s depth chart. Mitchell is 3rd string due to injury but we’ll see if he is healthy enough to play some snaps.
Iowa was an important game that could have provided a real momentum push for Pitt. However, that was just a swing and a long drive to the warning track, but alas an easy fly out was the final result, unfortunately.
This upcoming game, by comparison, now is even a more important game in light of that previous failure. Our first in conference contest of the season, coming off a bye week, a new starting QB at the Pitt helm.
This game is the “next” key game of the season. In light of VT’s loss against ECU, both teams will be motivated to get back on the winning track. This one is simply going to be a matter of who wants it more.
So my question to our Panthers is a straight forward one, “how much do you want it”? Hail to Pitt!
That said, like Justin said at best they are the 3rd best team in the Coastal and if Pitt wants to make a run at this thing, this is a must win.
I’m heading down to Blacksburg Thurs morning. Anyone else making the trip? Never been there, if anyone knows of a good restaurant or watering hole I’d appreciate any suggestions…
I look for a low scoring game. Dr. Tom is right on whoever wants it more, this is a must win for both teams, 4.5 points makes it a real tough bet, let’s see where the money comes in and if the line moves.
We have some players who can do these things. The Hokies have some players who can do these things.
They all want to make big plays and they all want to win. It’s who actually makes the most big plays that will win.
Hope it’s us.
Go Pitt.
What was the thinking behind this
schedule?
When Pitt starts winning these type games is when we can bury SOP.
Every conference game is important. However given the
new faces and uncertainty of QB and RB winning at
VT is going to be difficult. Feeling like another miserable
season ahead.
I would suggest this will change (like last year) when we play more offensive oriented teams later on the year.
In any case we need to break off a few big ones on Saturday to have a chance to win.
I think any of the three running backs is good enough if the line starts opening holes. Peterson needs to get his act together. At least Narduzzi seems to recognize the problem “We have to run the ball more effectively” DUH!
Don’t get me wrong. If James was considerably better than Hall, he would be playing (and he also has some lagging injuries).
The man could be opening some holes.
Hopefully someone separates similar to what’s occurred (so far) with the qb position.
My later concern coming away from Conner’s injury and Ollison’s BIG DEBUT was whether Ollison would have the ability to take the punishment that comes with being a BIGGER BACK and one lacking Conner’s UNIQUE ability to avoid contact.
The evidence suggests both concerns were warranted and something that’s caught the attention of the Head Coach..
“Obviously, we’re missing some guys up front and we’re missing a great tailback that can make people miss,” he (Narduzzi)said. (Post Gazette)
As much as I like Ollison, durability and toughness could be a problem. Put it this way, he’s NO JAMES CONNER… but then, WHO IS?
Despite his size,(and attempts by some to make the Conner Comparison)Ollison is considerably better running in the OPEN FIELD than he is inside as a Power Back. This is how it’s been going back to his days in High School.
The good news is, given the extra time off… Ollison should be back to 100% and ready to rip off a LONG RUN or two against VaTech.
Of course, RAIN in the forecast DAMPENS the optimism just a bit.
HCPN is trusting OC Chaney with driving the O. When your O struggles, the HC starts to ask questions. I think the questions were qued up after the Iowa loss.
One big concern with our new Oline blocking schemes- very similar to the NFL Colts, who haven’t had a 1,000 yard back in many years.
