The ACC has searched for half a season to find a worthy second team to Clemson. Wake Forest was 5-0, but then gave up 62 in a loss to Louisville. Virginia was the front-runner, but then had a dismal performance against Miami, where their red-zone was a complete mess. UNC has had some good performances, but already has 3 losses. Any of these teams, could still establish themselves as the ACC’s Orange Bowl team.
What about Pittsburgh though? Site contributor James Cunningham asked the question we are all wondering after Pitt’s 27-20 win over Syracuse.
Is Pitt……. good????
— James Cunningham (@JamesIV1978) October 19, 2019
Now 5-2, Pittsburgh has as much claim to calling themselves good as any non-Clemson team in the ACC.
Following an opening loss to Virginia, Pittsburgh has won 4 of their last 5 games. The only loss was a 7 point defeat to a legitimate top 15 team in Penn State. Then there was the eye opening win over UCF, that broke their 25 game regular season winning streak. This is arguably one of the ACC’s top 3 non-conference wins so far this season.
Pitt’s issue hasn’t been the ability to knock off highly ranked teams. In recent years, they have wins over Clemson, Penn State, Miami and Syracuse teams that finished in the top 15. Pitt’s issue has been sustaining that momentum and beating teams they are supposed to beat.
Pittsburgh has yet to lose this year to a team, that didn’t spend time in the top 25. That’s what made the game at Syracuse so big for Pittsburghl. On the road, against an Orange team trying to salvage their season, Pittsburgh controlled the game holding Syracuse to under 300 total yards offense. The Pittsburgh defense is a top 20 unit, with a defensive front that can create some real havoc. QB Kenny Pickett is leading a top 35 passing unit.
The rushing game has struggled, but put up nearly 150 yards on the ground against Syracuse. If the rushing game continues to progress, the schedule sets up very well for Pat Narduzzi and Pitt. In Pittsburgh’s final 5 games – Miami, @Georgia Tech, UNC, @Virginia Tech, and Boston College, there isn’t a game they Panthers shouldn’t feel like they can’t win especially with their defense.
Miami and especially Georgia Tech are offensively challenged to say the least. Virginia Tech and BC have major issues on defense, and UNC is at home.
Syracuse was a pivotal game, and the Panthers got through it. Let me say it now, Pitt is going to go no worse than 4-1 in their final 5 games to finish 9-3. A 10-2 finish is not out of the question either.
The ACC has been waiting for somebody anybody to step out from the group of teams between Clemson and Georgia Tech. Pitt might just be that team.
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