Canes Rising Contributor
Name: University of Pittsburgh
Mascot: Panthers
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Home Stadium: Heinz Field(Capacity: 65,500)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference(ACC)
Athletic Director: Steve Pederson
Head Coach: Paul Chryst
Time Capsule
One word defines Pitt: Inconsistency. The Panthers have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the country, despite having outstanding skill position talent. Pitt started the season 3-0 with a win over Boston College and then went on to lose six of their next eight games. Paul Chryst is in his third year, and Pitt is mired in mediocrity. The Panthers are coming off of a dominating win over Syracuse, and has to win Saturday to become bowl eligible.
What To Expect
Offense
From Tony Dorsett to "Ironhead" Heyward, Pitt has a tradition of outstanding running backs. James Conner is the latest in that proud lineage, and he is a true threat. Conner has rushed for 1600 yards, and 22 touchdowns. He has the strength to break arm tackles, and enough speed to run away from defenses. The sophomore tailback has been the offense for the Panthers, as the passing game has been limited. Pitt is 105th nationally in passing yards, with Chad Voytek being more of a run threat. Voytek doesn't make many mistakes, and does complete a high percentage of his passes. However, that high completion percentage is due to a risk averse offensive philosophy. The offense may be basic, but that isn't due to a lack of talent on the perimeter. Tyler Boyd has 64 receptions on the season, and averages over sixteen yards per catch. Boyd can stretch a defense vertically, but makes most of his catches in traffic. The Pitt passing game is centered around Boyd, as he is the only receiver that has been anywhere near good this season. The Pitt O-Line has been solid, and has done a good job of providing running lanes for Connor, and protecting Voytik. Their forte is run blocking, where they have been known to maul opposing defensive lines.
Defense
Pitt's defense like the rest of the team has been wildly inconsistent. This defense has given up less than 30 points 4 times this season, but has given up 50+ twice in the last four weeks. Todd Thomas is the leading tackler, compiling 67 stops this season. Thomas, a fifth year senior, isn't someone who dominates with sheer physical talent, but has a nose for the football. The one player that should be accounted for at all times is Anthony Gonzalez. Anthony started his career as a quarterback, then was moved to safety, now he's a heat seeking missile at linebacker. Gonzalez can run sideline to sideline, and he is an aggressive tackler. The secondary isn't elite, but they have improved during the season. Ray Vinopal has been a contributor, but he hasn't been the force he was projected to be. LaFayette Pitts is tied for the team lead in interceptions, a honor he shares with Terrish Webb, and Vinopal. Pitts is the best cornerback on the team, he's a consistent player. While the linebackers and defensive backs have shown signs of life, the defensive line has struggled. Losing Aaron Donald,a Lombardi Trophy winner, doesn't help matters but this unit has struggled to create pressure on the quarterback. David Durham leads the D-Line with 3 sacks, he's not an overwhelming talent.
Special Teams
Chris Blewitt has been consistent, connecting on 74% of his attempts. Blewitt has been steady regardless of distance, and has a strong leg. Ryan Winslow is averaging over 40 yards per punt, and has pinned teams inside of the twenty yard line 18 times.
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