The tide seems to be turning in for the Pittsburgh Panthers, fresh off an ACC Coastal Division championship (not going to mention the ACC Championship game), and bowl games in four of the last five seasons. Head coach Pat Narduzzi’s squad enters 2019 trying to rid themselves of a three-game losing streak, and will rely heavily on junior QB Kenny Pickett.
Prestige Rating (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 3 stars
Pitt is on its way to becoming a solid ACC contender, and Narduzzi is signed through 2024, providing potential stability to the program.
Last Year’s Record: 7-7 (6-2 ACC), lost to Stanford 14-13 in Sun Bowl
A four game win streak in the heat of the ACC schedule propelled Pitt to the ACC championship game, where it was dressed down by Clemson, losing 42-10.
Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 5
Most important to this category is junior QB Kenny Pickett, who functioned more as a game-manager in 2018, but threw twice as many touchdowns (12) than interceptions (6). Maurice Ffrench, Taysir Mack, and Aaron Mathews return as targets for Pickett. On a darker note, both of Pitt’s 1,000-yard rushers from 2018 have graduated, and only one starter, center Jimmy Morrissey, returns on the offensive line. Pickett will likely see his role expand in year two as a starter, and will be looked at to alleviate the pressure from his offensive line.
Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 5
Damar Hamlin, the leading tackler from 2018, is back and patrolling the free safety position for the Panthers. Rashad Weaver (6.5 sacks) and Amir Watts return to anchor the defensive line, while Elias Reynolds, who totaled 49 tackles after entering the starting lineup in the middle of the season, is back at middle linebacker. Dane Jackson, who broke up 14 passes, is back at corner, while Jason Pinnick, who tied Hamlin for the team lead with two interceptions, slides into a starting role as a junior.
Projected Returning Starters Specialists: 3
The Pittsburgh Panthers return kicker Alex Kessman (13-17 field goals), punter Kirk Christodoulou (41.45 yards per punt), and returner Maurice Ffrench (2 kickoff return touchdowns in 2018). Ffrench is a dynamic play-maker who can shorten the field for the offense, averaging 27.35 yards per return.
Key Losses
Both Qadree Ollison (1,213 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns) and Darrin Hall (1,144 yards and 10 touchdowns) have graduated, leaving a gaping hole in the backfield.
Key Newcomer-Offense: Daniel Carter, RB
Carter, a 3-star running back from Florida, is part of a 19-man class, and because of the graduation of 2018’s top running backs, may see ample time in the backfield. Junior A.J. Davis is the day-one starter, but watch Carter steal some carries away before mid-season.
Key Newcomer-Defense: Brandon Hill, Safety
No newcomer projects to crack the two-deep just yet, but Hill, hailing from Florida, is likely to contribute significantly at Pitt. The highest-rated defensive recruit by Narduzzi, Hill chose Pitt over 22 other offers, according to 247sports.
Breakout Player of the Year: Aaron Mathews, WR
Mathews has seen action in his first three seasons, hauling in a total of 31 catches for 360 yards. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Mathews has the size to become a true redzone threat for Pickett. An inexperienced running attack relies on Matthews, along with Ffrench and Mack. Look for Mathews to rack up touchdown catches from Pickett.
Wins the Conference If: History repeats itself
Pitt found themselves as the unlikely Coastal Division champion in 2018, eventually pummeled by Clemson. To do so again, just about everything that went right last year will need to again in 2019.
Circle this Game on the Calendar: Sept. 14 @ Penn State
A win in this game would announce Pitt’s presence as a team to reckon with, and would do wonders for in-state recruiting. This will be the 100th meeting of all-time between the two teams, during which Pitt will attempt to avenge last year’s 33-14 loss.
Alcohol Prediction: Miller Lite
A “meh” beer for a “meh” team. The Pittsburgh Panthers are (probably) not going to be bad, but (probably) are not going to be very good either. They’ll do the job (bowl game appearance) eventually, it might just take a few to get there.
2019 Outlook: 7-5 (5-3 ACC)
The way I see it, Pitt is going to struggle through their first four games, losing three out of four. It’ll be an uphill battle to shut off the maintenance required light, but I project an upset over Miami at home to propel Pitt to a bowl game yet again.