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Welcome to the most comprehensive Pitt Panthers Game Day Preview on the internet! This is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich of Pittsburgh SportsNation brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing all fans with a Game Preview, Pitt’s Keys to Victory, Score Prediction, a detailed breakdown of each team, Game Information, Individual Stats, and Team Stats. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
PANTHERS LOOK TO GET BACK ON TRACK VS DUKE
It was a game that Pitt by all means should have won. In the end, Notre Dame prevailed 19-14. Pitt’s defense played it’s heart out, and for many who cover Pitt, it was their best defensive effort in a long time.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi wasn’t as effusive with his praise.
“You say it’s the best,” Narduzzi said. “I don’t know if I agree with you. There were other games that were pretty good, too. Statwise, I guess. You have to stop looking at stats. Stats don’t mean anything.”
As well as Pitt played against Notre Dame, holding the Irish to just 344 yards in total offense, they will face a Blue Devils team that plays offense similar to that of UNC and UCF, both of which the Panthers struggled against.
If the Panthers plan on being in the ACC Championship Game, they will have to go 5-0 to close out the season. All five games are winnable if the defense plays as well as they looked vs the Irish. The biggest hurdle will be getting the passing game going under Kenny Pickett, who has struggled getting the ball downfield in 2018.
The blame can be pointed at Pickett, but also at the coaches who have yet to let Pickett loose, choosing to remain conservative.
“Sometimes,” Narduzzi said. “I mean, there’s no doubt about it. Like I said, it’s players, it’s coaches (who share responsibility).”
Pitt has been maddening with their reluctance to utilize the middle of the field in the passing game, especially with the deep ball.
“We’ve talked about that, as well,” he said. “Maurice Ffrench got chased, goes down the field, attracts a PI (pass interference penalty). We don’t even get (enough) of those because we don’t take those … you know, very conservative.”
Narduzzi said it will take a total offensive team effort to elevate the passing game to where they wish it to be.
“It’s also what you do, what Kenny feels comfortable doing, too. It’s a little bit of everything, period,” he said. “It’s 11 guys out there. It’s protection, feeling comfortable, who is in the game at receiver. Are they making plays? Are they open, on time? It’s a lot.”
Taysir Mack has been out the past two games, and was one of Pickett’s leading receivers while healthy. Since he’s been out, Aaron Mathews has stepped up nicely. He had four receptions last week after only having three the entire season.
“I just said, ‘Keep fighting, keep fighting.’ He’s practiced better. I look at guys who want to play,” Narduzzi said. “You better practice better. I’m happy for Aaron. He’s had some opportunities, made some catches, too. But he can still get better.”
The next man up Narduzzi would like to see improve his overall play is Tre Tipton, who only has two receptions for 14 yards.
Again, if you practice better, you play better, you get opportunities.” Narduzzi said. “Tre is a guy that’s going to get opportunities. He’s done some good things. He’s got to make more plays for us. He’s a guy that’s got the ability to make plays. We need to get him out there, period.”
If the passing game does remain dormant, Pitt still has it’s running game to lean on behind Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall.
“We’re going to stand on the run. That’s what we do well right now,” Narduzzi said. “That’s Pittsburgh football to begin with, that’s tough football. But we certainly have to throw the ball better than we are, period.”
Pitt Keys to Victory
Offense
- Control the trenches.
- Utilize the middle of the field in the passing game.
- Give Kenny Pickett time in the pocket.
Defense
- Must contain Chris Rahming.
- Pressure Daniel Jones into bad throws.
Prediction
Coach Narduzzi promised Pitt’s season would end up in the ACC Championship Game. After all the turmoil Pitt has faced, they sill control their destiny to do just that. It’s Duke this week, followed by a game at Virginia, at home vs VaTech, then finishing the last two games on the road at Wake Forest and Miami.
Look for Pitt to build off the momentum they racked up defensively vs Notre Dame, helping an offense desperately trying to find a balance in it’s attack. It’s time for Kenny Pickett to play to his potential, and if not, perhaps it’s time to hand the ball off to Jeff George, who has elevated his status from not even on the depth chart, to the #2 spot behind Pickett.
Pitt should be able to establish the ground game behind Ollison and Hall, then begin attacking downfield for once instead of playing prevent offense.
Pitt 31 Duke 21
Game Information
NCAA Week 9
Pitt Panthers vs Duke Blue Devils
Venue: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
Game-time: Saturday, October 27th, 3:30 pm
TV: AT&T SportsNet (AT&T SportsNet in Pittsburgh) | Announcers: Wes Durham (play-by-play) James Bates (analyst) | Rebecca Kaple (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan | Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Larry Richert (sideline)
National Radio: N/A | Announcers:
Sirius XM Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 98, XM Channel 193, Internet Channel 955
Weather at Kickoff: 46 with a 50% chance of rain.
Vegas Line: Duke -2.5
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Pitt vs Duke History
- Series History: Began in 1929
- Pitt is 13-9 in the series vs Duke.
- Pitt is 5-5 at home vs Duke.
- Streak: Pitt won last three games.
- Last Regular Season Meeting: Oct. 21, 2017 (Pitt 24 Duke 17)
Game Notes*
- With 646 total rushing yards this season, Qadree Ollison ranks third among ACC ball carriers. (His average of 92.3 yards per game ranks second.) Ollison is striving to become only the sixth player in Pitt history to achieve multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
- The Panthers boast one of college football’s most dangerous return men in junior Maurice Ffrench. Named a “Midseason All-American” by multiple outlets, Ffrench is tied for the national lead with two kickoff return touchdowns.
- Maurice Ffrench also ranks second nationally (first in the ACC) with a 33.8-yard kickoff return average. Duke is yielding just 17.82 yards per kickoff return, the third lowest in the ACC.
- During the Pat Narduzzi era (since 2015), Pitt ranks second nationally and first among ACC teams in total kick return touchdowns with 12 (seven on kickoffs and five via punt).
- Pitt opens the final stretch of the 2018 season by hosting Duke for a crucial ACC Coastal Division encounter. The Panthers are 2-1 in ACC play and looking to keep pace with Virginia Tech, which enters the week atop the Coastal at 3-0. Pitt finishes the season with five consecutive ACC games.
*Courtesy of pittsburghpanthers.com
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A look at the Pitt Panthers!
- Overall Record: 3-4 | ACC Record: 2-1 | Rank: N/A
- Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi (4th Season with Pitt)
- Lifetime Record: 24-21 (.545)
- 2018 Pitt Panthers Roster
- Pitt Team Statistics, including Defensive Stats
- Last Week: Notre Dame 19 Pitt 14
Scouting the Panthers
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett played in four games last year, making one start as a true freshman. Gifted with a strong arm and the ability to run with the ball if no receivers are open. Must work on accuracy and decision making.
Running Backs
Darrin Hall (1,045 career rushing yards) and Qadree Ollison (1,646) will give the Panthers a 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Consider Hall lightning to Ollison’s thunder. George Aston is back at fullback after missing most of 2017. Aston was a beast in 2016 finishing third on the team in scoring (tied) with 60 points on 10 touchdowns (five rushing and five receiving). A.J. Davis will see plenty of time as well, and is excellent out of the backfield catching short passes from Pickett. Don’t be surprised if Davis becomes the #1 back before the end of the season.
Wide Receivers
Pitt is deep at WR, with Rafael-Araujo Lopes, juniors Tre Tipton, Maurice Ffrench, and Aaron Mathews, freshman Shocky Jacques-Louis, and Indiana transfer Taysir Mack, a sophomore who excelled in the Blue-Gold Game this past Spring. Mack played in 12 games, starting eight contests in 2017 for the Hoosiers…had 23 receptions for 310 yards (13.5 avg.) and three touchdowns.
Tight Ends
At tight end, sophomore Tyler Sear transferred out, leaving the job to Arkansas transfer Will Gragg. This position needs utilized more often.
X-Factor
Look for the versatile Paris Ford to see snaps at H-Back for the Panthers as Jordan Whitehead was known to do for the past two years. Ford is a threat to make a difference every time he touches the ball.
Defense
Dewayne Hendrix and Rashad Weaver are solidified as Pitt’s defensive ends.
Senior Shane Roy was a starter at nose tackle last year, Amir Watts and redshirt sophomore Keyshon Camps to see time as well. Jaylen Twyman, has been pushing the whole group as a redshirt freshman.
At LB, Oluwaseun Idowu is the starting outside “star” linebacker. Quintin Wirginis is your starter in the middle, with Redshirt senior Elijah Zeise and redshirt junior Saleem Brightwell battling for the “money” spot.
Redshirt junior Dane Jackson started all 12 games last year and will assume the same duties as a starting cornerback in 2018. Redshirt senior Phillipie Motley, sophomores Damarri Mathis and Jason Pinnock, and redshirt freshman Paris Ford are all battling for that 2nd spot.
Junior Damar Hamlin starts at free safety, with Dennis Briggs and redshirt sophomore Phil Campbell battling for the starting role at strong safety.
Placekicker
Alex Kessman took over Pitt’s starting placekicking duties in his first active season…converted 11-of-19 field goals (58%) and 34-of-34 PATs (100%) for a team-high 67 points. Now he looks to improve on those stats in year two.
Kick/Punt Return
Maurice Ffrench and Rafael Araujo-Lopes will provide the return duties for the Panthers. Ffrench returned the opening kickoff vs Albany, 97 yards to the house.
Individual Stats
Quarterback
- Kenny Pickett (1,006 yards passing | 6 TD passes | 5 interceptions | 14 sacks | 76 yards rushing | 2 rushing TD)
Running Back
- Qadree Ollison (646 yards rushing | 6 rushing TD’s | 8 receptions | 28 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Darrin Hall (376 yards rushing | 4 rushing TD’s | 7 receptions | 27 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
- AJ Davis (103 yards rushing | 0 rushing TD’s | 3 receptions | 17 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
Fullback
- George Aston (2 yards rushing | 0 rushing TD’s | 13 receptions | 60 yards receiving | 1 receiving TD’s)
Wide Receivers
- Rafael Araujo-Lopes (19 receptions | 199 receiving yards | 3 receiving TD’s | 17 yards rushing | 0 TD’s)
- Maurice Ffrench (17 receptions | 219 receiving yards | 2 receiving TD’s | 26 yards rushing | 1 TD’s)
- Taysir Mack (12 receptions | 265 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Aaron Matthews (7 receptions | 76 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Shocky Jaques-Louis (7 receptions | 64 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s | 58 yards rushing | 0 TD’s)
- Dontavius Butler-Jenkins (4 receptions | 12 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s | 0 yards rushing | 0 TD’s)
- Tre Tipton (2 receptions | 14 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
Tight Ends
- Will Gragg (4 receptions | 28 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Tyler Sear (2 receptions | 9 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Jim Medure (1 receptions | 15 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
Placekicker
- Alex Kessman (Extra Point: 20-21 | FG: 4-7 | 0-19: 0-0 | 20-29: 0-0 | 30-39: 1-3 | 40-49: 1-2 | 50+: 2-2 | Long: 55)
Kickoff Returner
- Maurice Ffrench (33.8 yards per kickoff return | 2 return TD’s)
Punt Returner
- Rafael Araujo-Lopes (12.0 yards per punt return | 0 return TD’s)
A look at the Duke Blue Devils!
- Overall Record: 5-2 | ACC Record: 1-2 | Rank:
- Head Coach: David Cutcliffe (7th Season with Duke)
- Lifetime Record: 108-98 (.524) | 64-69 (.481) with Duke
- 2018 Duke Blue Devils Roster
- Duke Team Statistics, including Defensive Stats
- Last Week: Virginia 28 Duke 14
Scouting the Blue Devils
Quarterback
Daniel Jones is the starter and has amassed 1,061 yards passing on the year with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. He has been sacked 13 times. Jones doesn’t run the ball much, as evident with having just 82 yards rushing so far in 2018.
Running Back
Deon Jackson leads the way for the Blue Devils with 372 yards rushing and five scores. Brittain Brown, if healthy, will see plenty of time as well. Brown has 317 yards rushing and two TD’s.
Wide Receivers
Chris Rahming is Duke’s best receiver, snatching up 30 passes so far, four of which ended up as scores. Johnathan Lloyd and Chris Taylor are Jones’ #2 and #3 options at wide-out.
Tight Ends
Davis Koppenhaver has only ten receptions on the year, but five of those catches resulted in touchdowns.
Defense
Duke is giving up just 19.1 PPG, but one has to ask, is that the result of playing a soft schedule?
Individual Stats
Quarterback
- Daniel Jones (1,061 yards passing | 9 TD passes | 4 interceptions | 13 sacks | 82 yards rushing | 1 rushing TD)
- Quentin Harris (418 yards passing | 6 TD passes | 0 interceptions | 2 sacks | 149 yards rushing | 1 rushing TD)
Running Back
- Deon Jackson (372 yards rushing | 5 rushing TD’s | 7 receptions | 68 yards receiving | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Brittain Brown (317 yards rushing | 2 rushing TD’s | 1 receptions | 44 yards receiving | 1 receiving TD’s)
Wide Receivers
- Chris Rahming (30 receptions | 316 receiving yards | 4 receiving TD’s)
- Johnathan Lloyd (25 receptions | 305 receiving yards | 4 receiving TD’s)
- Chris Taylor (19 receptions | 237 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Aaron Young (7 receptions | 139 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
- Jake Bobo (5 receptions | 100 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
Tight Ends
- Davis Koppenhaver (10 receptions | 93 receiving yards | 5 receiving TD’s)
- Daniel Helm (10 receptions | 97 receiving yards | 0 receiving TD’s)
- Noah Gray (7 receptions | 112 receiving yards | 1 receiving TD’s)
Placekicker
- Collin Wareham (Extra Point: 26-28 | FG: 4-5 | 0-19: 0-0| 20-29: 1-1 | 30-39: 3-3 | 40-49: 0-1 | 50+: 0-0 | Long: 35)
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Pitt – Duke: Offense vs Defense Match-Ups
Pitt Total Offense: Pitt averages 337.1 YPG | Duke allows 353.7 YPG
Rushing: Pitt averages 191.3 YPG | Duke allows 145.9 YPG
Passing: Pitt averages 145.9 YPG | Duke allows 207.9 YPG
Scoring: Pitt averages 24.3 PPG | Duke allows 19.1 PPG
Pitt Total Defense: Pitt allows 409.9 YPG | Duke averages 380 YPG
Rushing: Pitt allows 180.1 YPG | Duke averages 157.9 YPG
Passing: Pitt allows 229.7 YPG | Duke averages 222.1 YPG
Scoring: Pitt allows 30.9 PPG | Duke averages 29.4 PPG
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Injury Report (10/25/2018)
Pitt Panthers
- Out: LB Quintin Wirginis (Knee)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: DL Jaylen Twyman (Foot), WR Taysir Mack (Foot)
Duke Blue Devils
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: WR Aaron Young (Hamstring), LB Ben Humphreys (Leg), RB Brittain Brown (Lower Body)
- Probable: None
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ACC Standings
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Pitt Panthers 2018 Schedule
Regular Season (Overall: 3-4 | ACC: 2-1)
Sept. 1 Albany (ACCNE) | W- 33-7
Sept. 8 #8 Penn State (ABC) | L- 51-6
Sept. 15 Georgia Tech* (RSN) | W- 24-19
Sept. 22 at North Carolina* | L- 38-35
Sept. 29 at #10 UCF | L- 45-14
Oct. 6 Syracuse* (HC) | W- 44-37
Oct. 13 at #5 Notre Dame | L- 19-14
Oct. 27 Duke* at 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 2 (Fri.) at Virginia* (ESPN2) at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 10 Virginia Tech* at TBA
Nov. 17 at Wake Forest* at TBA
Nov. 24 at #16 Miami* at TBA
*ACC game / (HC) Homecoming / Ranking as of this week
Bold = Home Game
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
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