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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 (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing all fans with a game story, Pitt’s key’s to success, score prediction, game information, a detailed breakdown of each team, including individual stats, team stats, and team injury reports. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
PANTHERS LOOK TO KNOCK HOKIES OUT OF THE COASTAL DIVISION RACE
If the Pitt Panthers (7-3, 4-2) are to walk out of Lane Stadium winners this Saturday afternoon, their defense will have to up it’s game.
The Panther defense has been superb all season, but last week against North Carolina, they blew a 14 point lead, were gashed for 322 yards passing by Sam Howell and also allowed a huge 59 yard running play to the Tar Heels.
Even though they were hampered by the loss of Damar Hamlin, who was ejected for Targeting in the 1st half, the standard remains the standard.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi was not pleased.
“Defensively, probably a little bit disappointed in what they did against North Carolina,” said Narduzzi. “Sam Howell is a good quarterback, made some nice throws, but when you watch the video tape, it’s about the details of the little, tiny things, if we had done those better. We gave up one big run, linebacker takes the back door. ‘What are you doing?’ But when you do that, that’s when you get beat. A lot of the details were missed. As much as everybody pats the defense on the back, you get evaluated at the end of the year. We didn’t play up to par, (to) the expectations we have for them.”
Don’t expect a repeat performance in a few days.
“We’ll have a better outing this weekend. I promise you,” he said.
Despite the adversity, the defense did step it up in overtime to shut down the Tar Heels.
“It just tells you who those guys are and what they have in their chest cavity, I think,” Narduzzi said. “The kids play hard, and they believe. You can have all these pretty blow-out wins. They’re nice and whatever. But do you find out who you really are? I think we know who they are. When it gets down to a fourth quarter in Blacksburg, we know what we’re going to get.”
Hopefully, when the team takes the field against the #25 Virginia Tech Hokies (7-3, 4-2), the team’s leading receiver in Maurice Ffrench will be in uniform. Ffrench has a broken jaw suffered against Georgia Tech.
“It comes down to his pain tolerance,” said Narduzzi. “We’re going to make sure we protect him, and we’ll make a good decision. He’ll make a good decision. We’ll figure out where he is by Thursday.”
Ffrench is first on the team with 75 receptions, good for 606 yards and three touchdowns.
Shocky Jacques-Louis, now back to full health, has picked his game up in Ffrench’s absence.
“I’m finally healthy so I’m able to run full speed,” Jacques-Louis said. “They (UNC) tried to stop me, but couldn’t.”
With Ffrench out last week, Jacques-Louis took it upon himself to make the most of his chance to make a difference.
“I definitely thought this was a big opportunity for me to make a name for myself,” he said. “I went out there and balled out and I’m going to keep balling out.”
If that continues Saturday, Pitt’s offense will be in good hands, and it will need to be, as the winner of this game will have major implications on the ACC Coastal race.
If the Hokies win, they’ll face Virginia next Friday at Noon for the division title. If Pitt wins, they’ll need this same VaTech team to take care of Virginia, and then defeat Boston College next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Heinz Field, to become back-to-back Coastal Division champions.
Pitt’s Key’s to Success
- Secure the ball: It’s going to be a rainy affair, so ball security is a must, especially on the road.
- Take it to the Hokies defense: Like last year, you have to take the game to them. Hit some big plays downfield to Jacques-Louis and utilize ground game.
- Introduce a little chaos to Hendon Hooker: VaTech’s QB has played mistake free ball. Perhaps some pressure and a few take-downs will change that.
- Bring the swagger: Both teams have identical records, and Pitt has beaten better teams, but it’s VaTech who is ranked. Take that to heart and take care of business.
Prediction
The Hokies will be out for a little redemption after Pitt thumped them last year 52-22 at Heinz Field.
However, the Panthers are ready for an encore performance, and the defense will be out to prove they are as good as billed, especially if the ACC refs allow their players to play the game, and not get ejected for playing football.
Last week Damar Hamlin was tossed for Targeting. That call had Hamlin, his coaches, and the crowd bewildered.
It was Pitt’s 3rd time watching one of their players get ejected this year.
“Well, that’s two more than we’ve had in four previous seasons here,” Narduzzi said. “I’m not happy with it. I watched games on Saturday, and I saw some things get turned over by the SEC and the Big Ten or whatever conference you’re watching.
“I’m going to have to go to school and find out what targeting is. But that’s as far as I’ll go.”
Hamlin was stunned by the call.
“The quarterback threw the ball, he placed a good ball and I just tried to make a play on the ball,” said Hamlin.
“The receiver and I both tried to make a play on the ball. How much of a right does he have to the ball? How much of a right do I have to the ball, as well? I think that’s a just question for people higher up than me.”
Regardless of the calls, don’t expect Pitt to stop playing defense aggressively at anytime soon.
“We can talk all we want,” Narduzzi said. “It doesn’t matter what we talk about. We’re playing football the way it needs to be played, and again, aggressive penalties are going to happen.”
The Hokies have played better of late, especially with Hendon Hooker at quarterback, but you can expect to see a fired up Panther defense this week, and defense that feels it’s being disrespected by officials not allowing them to play with the tenacity they’ve been taught to play with.
Deshawn McClease and Keshawn King form a nice rushing combo for the Hokies. Along with those two and Hooker, the Hokies will see what they can accomplish on the ground vs the Pitt defense. When VaTech throws the ball, they like to spread the ball around. Wide outs Damon Hazelton, Tre Turner, Tayvion Robinson, and tight end James Mitchell are all utilized.
The Pitt offense really got it going last week, as Kenny Pickett threw for a career high 359 yards in their 34-27 OT win vs UNC. Pitt added 139 yards on the ground, 53 coming from the legs of Pickett, who also scored two touchdowns.
If Maurice Ffrench can play, that will give Pitt’s offense a trio of receivers that can burn you at any time. Shocky Jacques-Louis stepped up big time in Ffrench’s absence, and if all three find a way to be on the field soon, this offense could finally start putting teams away in the 2nd half, something they did accomplish last week till the defense, without Hamlin, gave up 14 late points to the Tar Heels.
Expect a good game between two tough teams. Pitt will put this game away in the 4th quarter, and keep their division title hopes alive.
Pitt 31 Virginia Tech 20
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Game Information
Pitt Panthers at Virginia Tech Hokies
- Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA. | Field: Natural Grass
- Game-time: Saurday, November 23rd at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Game Tickets Link
- TV: ESPN2 | Announcers: Mark Jones (play-by-play) Dusty Dvoracek (analysts) | Olivia Dekker (reporter)
- Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan | Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Larry Richert (reporter)
- Online Radio: 937thefan.radio.com
- Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM Channel 381, Internet Channel 970
- Weather at Kickoff: 42 with a 75% chance of rain. Winds ESE at 5 MPH
- Vegas Line: VaTech -3.5
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Pitt vs Virginia Tech History
Series History: Began in 1993
Pitt is 8-10 overall vs VaTech
- At Home: 6-4
- On Road: 2-6
- Neutral Site: 0-0
- ACC Series: 3-3
- Streak: Pitt won last game.
- Last Regular Season Meeting: Nov. 10, 2018 (Pitt 52, Virginia Tech 22)
Did You Know?*
- Pitt has won seven of its past 10 games against Virginia Tech, including a 52-22 victory at Heinz Field in 2018. However, the Panthers are just 2-6 all-time in Blacksburg. Pitt last won at Lane Stadium in 2015 (17-13).
- Since taking over as Pitt’s head coach in 2015, Pat Narduzzi has directed the Panthers to 24 victories in ACC play, trailing only Clemson (38) and Miami (25) during that span.
- Quarterback Kenny Pickett is coming off one of the finest performances of his career. Pickett threw for 359 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in the Panthers’ 34-27 overtime win over North Carolina.
- Pitt boasts the nation’s top pass rush. The Panthers lead the country with 45 sacks, an average of 4.50 per contest. Tackle Jaylen Twyman has a team-high 9.5 sacks and ranks seventh nationally (second in the ACC) with an average of 0.95 per game.
- Pitt is surrendering an average of just 90.9 rush yards, the lowest in the ACC and seventh nationally. Pitt last yielded fewer than 100 rush yards per game in 2000 (97.0 for 12 games).
*Courtesy of pittsburghpanthers.com
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Scouting the Pitt Panthers!
Overall Record: 7-3 | ACC Record: 4-2 | Rank: N/A
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi (5th Season with Pitt)
- Lifetime Record: 35-27 (.557)
Previous Game: Pitt 34 North Carolina 27 (OT)
OFFENSE (Pro Style)
Quarterbacks
Kenny Pickett*
Tough kid, good arm, and getting better each week under Mark Whipple’s offense. Utilizes his legs well and scrambles for extra yards.
Passing Yards: 2,311
- TD Passes: 10
- Interceptions: 8
- Sacks: 21
Yards Rushing: 142
- Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 1
- Receiving Yards: 3
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Nick Patti
Filled in well for Pickett when he was out for the Delaware game.
Passing Yards: 287
- TD Passes: 3
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 0
Yards Rushing: 24
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
A.J. Davis*
Talented ball carrier who is dangerous on the ground and through the air, especially on screens.
Yards Rushing: 465
- Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 19
- Yards Receiving: 242
- Receiving TD’s: 0
V’lique Carter
Versatile player who also moonlights at WR and at cornerback. Special athlete.
Yards Rushing: 190
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 16
- Receiving Yards: 173
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Vincent Davis
The ultra quick Vincent Davis looks to utilize his speed and agility to be a game-breaker for the Panthers.
Yards Rushing: 185
- Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 1
- Yards Receiving: 0
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Todd Sibley, Jr.
Has done well when his number has been called. Injuries have slowed him down.
Yards Rushing: 249
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2
- Yards Receiving: 18
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Maurice Ffrench*
Once one of the best returners in the game. Has taken his receiving game to the next level in 2019.
Receptions: 75
- Receiving Yards: 606
- Receiving TD’s: 3
Taysir Mack*
Runs great routes and makes the big catches in traffic.
Receptions: 59
- Receiving Yards: 693
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Shocky Jacques-Louis*
Has all the talent in the world. Being implemented into the passing attack more each week as he is fully healthy.
Receptions: 12
- Receiving Yards: 192
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Yards Rushing: 36
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Aaron Mathews
Great blocker who would like to incorporate a few more catches intro his arsenal. Part time QB…
Receptions: 11
- Receiving Yards: 200
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Dontavius Butler-Jenkins
Receptions: 6
- Receiving Yards: 65
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Tre Tipton
Injured and out for the season.
Receptions: 7
- Receiving Yards: 81
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Jared Wayne
Receptions: 5
- Receiving Yards: 47
- Receiving TD’s: 0
John Vardzel
Receptions: 3
- Receiving Yards: 6
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Nakia Griffin-Stewart*
Physical player, but drops way too many passes.
Receptions: 14
- Receiving Yards: 152
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Will Gragg
Trying to become a reliable target across the middle for Kenny Pickett.
Receptions: 17
- Receiving Yards: 122
- Receiving TD’s: 0
*Denotes Starter
OFFENSIVE LINE
Left Tackle: Carter Warren/Carson Van Lynn
Left Guard: Bryce Hargrove
Center: Jimmy Morrissey
Right Guard: Gabe Houy/Jake Kradel
Right Tackle: Nolan Ulizio
DEFENSE (Base 4-3)
Defensive End: Patrick Jones II
Defensive Tackle: Jaylen Twyman
Defensive Tackle: Amir Watts/Devin Danielson
Defensive End: Deslin Alexandre
Money LB: Kylan Johnson
Mike LB: Saleem Brightwell/Chase Pine
Star LB: Phil Campbell III/Cam Bright
Cornerback: Dane Jackson
Strong Safety: Paris Ford
Free Safety: Damar Hamlin
Cornerback: Damarri Mathis/Jason Pinnock
SPECIAL TEAMS
Placekicker
Alex Kessman
Had some early misses, but has been back on track since the UCF game.
Extra Points: 24-25
FG: 16-24
- 0-19: 0-1 | 20-29: 7-8 | 30-39: 3-4 | 40-49: 5-8 | 50+: 1-3
- Long: 54
Punter
Kirk Christodoulou
Yards per Punt: 42.5
Kickoff Returner
Maurice Ffrench
Ffrench averaged 27.4 yards per return last year with two touchdowns.
Yards per Kickoff Return: 17.3
- Return TD’s: 0
A.J. Wood
Yards per Kickoff Return: 15.6
- Return TD’s: 0
Punt Returner
Maurice Ffrench
Yards per Kickoff Return: 6
- Return TD’s: 0
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Scouting the Virginia Tech Hokies!
Overall Record: 7-3 | ACC Record: 4-2 | Rank: #25
Head Coach: Justin Fuente (4th Season with VaTech)
- Lifetime Record: 58-41 (.585) | 32-18 (.640 with VaTech)
2019 Virginia Tech Hokies Roster
Previous Game: Virginia Tech 45 Georgia Tech 0
OFFENSE (Pro)
Quarterbacks
Hendon Hooker*
Has excelled since taking over the starting duties.
Passing Yards: 981
- TD Passes: 8
- Interceptions: 0
- Sacks: 7
Yards Rushing: 235
- Rushing TD’s: 4
Ryan Willis
Passing Yards: 906
- TD Passes: 9
- Interceptions: 5
- Sacks: 10
Yards Rushing: 34
- Rushing TD’s: 1
Quincey Patterson II
Patterson is a dual threat when he enters the game.
Passing Yards: 257
- TD Passes: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 2
Yards Rushing: 241
- Rushing TD’s: 2
Running Backs
Deshawn McClease*
VaTech’s leading rusher… nice agility.
Yards Rushing: 600
- Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 7
- Yards Receiving: 51
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Keshawn King
Yards Rushing: 304
- Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 7
- Yards Receiving: 149
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Damon Hazelton*
Hokies #1 receiver, depth chart wise, but VaTech utilizes a trio of WR’s in their offense.
Receptions: 22
- Receiving Yards: 386
- Receiving TD’s: 6
Tre Turner*
Receptions: 23
- Receiving Yards: 378
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Tayvion Robinson
Leads the Hokies in receptions with 24.
Receptions: 24
- Receiving Yards: 267
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Hezekiah Grimsley
Receptions: 10
- Receiving Yards: 170
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Tight Ends
James Mitchell*
Deep threat TE for VaTech averaging 18.04 yards per catch.
Receptions: 18
- Receiving Yards: 325
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Dalton Keene
Receptions: 17
- Receiving Yards: 175
- Receiving TD’s: 4
*Denotes Starter
DEFENSE (Base 4-3)
Good, but not great. Giving up 365 total yards per game and allowing just over 24 points per game to opposing teams. LB Rayshard Ashby leads the team with 92 tackles and has three sacks. Secondary has a few ball hawks as the Hokies have collected 12 interceptions this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Placekicker
Brian Johnson
Extra Points: 38-38
FG: 13-17
- 0-19: 0-0 | 20-29: 7-7 | 30-39: 5-5 | 40-49: 1-3 | 50+: 0-2
- Long: 44
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Injury Report (11/21/19)
Pitt
- Out: DL Rashad Weaver (ACL), DE Keyshon Camp (Knee), WR Tre Tipton (knee)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: RB Todd Sibley, WR Maurice Ffrench
- Probable: None
Virginia Tech
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: RB Jalen Holston
- Probable: None
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Offensive Stats
Total Yards per game
- Pitt: 391.8
- Virginia Tech: 393.2
Passing Yards per game
- Pitt: 260.1
- Virginia Tech: 214.4
Rushing Yards per game
- Pitt: 131.7
- Virginia Tech: 178.8
Points per game
- Pitt: 22.2
- Virginia Tech: 31.3
Defensive Stats
Total Yards per game allowed
- Pitt: 298
- Virginia Tech: 365
Passing Yards per game allowed
- Pitt: 207.1
- Virginia Tech: 241.1
Rushing Yards per game allowed
- Pitt: 90.9
- Virginia Tech: 123.9
Points Allowed
- Pitt: 20.8
- Virginia Tech: 24.5
Sacks
- Pitt: 45
- Virginia Tech: 33
Interceptions
- Pitt: 8
- Virginia Tech: 12
Fumbles Recovered
- Pitt: 4
- Virginia Tech: 3
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ACC Standings
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Pitt Panthers 2019 Schedule
Regular Season: Overall: 7-3 | ACC: 4-2
August 31: Virginia*, L- 30-14
September 7: Ohio, W- 20-10
September 14: at #13 Penn State, L- 17-10
September 21: #15 UCF, W- 35-34
September 28: Delaware, W- 17-14
October 5: at Duke*, W- 33-30
October 18: (Friday) at Syracuse*, W- 27-20
October 26: Miami*, L- 16-12
November 2: at Georgia Tech*, W- 20-10
November 14: (Thursday) North Carolina*, W- 34-27 (OT)
November 23: at #25 Virginia Tech* (ESPN2), 3:30 p.m.
November 30: Boston College*, 3:30 p.m.
*ACC game | (HC) Homecoming | 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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