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Game Previews
Bowl Preview: The Meineke Car Care Bowl (vs. North Carolina)
Dec 23rd
In just three days, Pitt will take the field in its second bowl game under Dave Wannstedt, their seventh postseason game in the past decade. With a win, the Panthers can rack up their first 10 win season since 1981. It’s a poor consolation prize after coming within a single point of playing in the Sugar Bowl, but it’ll have to do for Pitt.
North Carolina comes into the game at 8-4. That’s not bad considering that just over halfway through their season they had a 4-3 record overall, 0-3 in the ACC. They bring with them one of the higher ranked defenses in the NCAA. With Charlotte only a short 2.5 hour drive away from the campus, the Tar Heels will likely be playing in front of an overhelmingly pro-North Carolina crowd.
So can Pitt overcome one of the top defenses in the league in what basically amounts to an away game? Let’s look at what our writers have to say about the game:
Dan:
North Carolina has a great defense, statistically speaking. They’re 6th in the nation overall, 9th against the run and 15th against the pass. But I’m not sold.
The Tar Heels’ biggest wins of the season (Virginia Tech and Miami) weren’t overly impressive. The defense may have held VT to only 256 yards, which is certainly respectable, but they gave up 435 yards to Miami. In their loss to Georgia Tech, arguably their best opponent all season, the Tarheels gave up 406 yards, 317 of which were on the ground. In my opinion, the defense of North Carolina is overrated due to their weaker opponents like the Citadel, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, and Duke. When faced with an offensive challenge, they just don’t appear to have the ability to come up big.
That’s all goes without mentioning the Tar Heels’ two embarrassing losses to NC State and Virginia. Virginia went 3-9 this season. Way to go North Carolina. Pitt may have a regrettable loss to NC State as well, but the Panthers certainly didn’t lose to a team as wretched as Virginia this season. Pitt’s other two losses this season were to their biggest rival, WVU, and the undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats. Those games were lost by a combined 4 points. They’re certainly respectable losses against very talented, ranked opponents.
So what do I predict? I predict a tough challenge for North Carolina’s defensive line. Moreso, I predict a challenge in catching Dion Lewis. Lewis has proven his ability to squeeze through even the tiniest hole, sometimes even emerging from a crowd of linemen. And if the Panthers can hold off the Tar Heels’ defensive line, look for Stull to find Baldwin after North Carolina starts looking for the run. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see more play action from Pitt and even a few trick plays like we saw against Cincinnati.
On defense, the pressure from Greg Romeus and Mick Williams will provide TJ Yates with a challenge, one that could force him into costly mistakes. Yates isn’t exactly the pride of the ACC quarterbacks club. Provided the secondary has a decent game, the defense should take care of business pretty easily.
Even with the expected overwhelming pro-Tar Heels crowd, look for Pitt to put on a show against UNC. Pitt is certainly down on its luck, and probably its spirit considering how close the Panthers came to finishing at 11-1 and playing in the Sugar Bowl. But the Panthers are looking to bounce back and post their first 10-win season since 1981.
Prediction: 38-17, Pitt.
Mike_B:
It’s finally that time Panther fans: the bowl game. Now I know this isn’t the bowl game we wanted to be at, especially with how we started this season. We all had BCS bowl game in our heads, but the end of the year collapse killed that dream. Now we get to play North Carolina in what is, more or less, a home game for them. This is the second consecutive year that North Carolina will play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Last year they lost to West Virginia. This is the second trip to Charlotte for Pitt, who lost to Virginia in their first trip.
It will be nice to see if Pitt can recover from the two heart breaking losses to West Virginia and Cincinnati when they play on Saturday. What will be even more fun to see is Dion Lewis rushing the ball again. This man has been a blast to watch all year, and it will be disappointing to not see him run again until the Blue-Gold game in April. It will be interesting to see how Lewis performs against North Carolina’s stout run defense. As many will remember, the only other time the Panthers played a team from the ACC this season, the Panthers lost to NC State in a miserable fashion, blowing a big lead.
Pitt outranks the Tar Heels in every offensive category. Where the Tar Heels win their games is with their defense, 6th against the run, 15th against the pass. It could be a long day for Lewis, Bill Stull, Jonathan Baldwin, and Dorin Dickerson, but with a nice balance, I feel like the Panthers could solve the Tar Heels defense. TJ Yates will be seeing a lot of Greg Romeus throughout the day, as he was the 10th rated QB in the ACC.
Overall, this game can be no worse than the Sun Bowl from last year which Pitt lost 3-0 to Oregon St. I feel this year’s bowl will be different with Pitt cruising to a victory and reaching 10 wins for the first time since 1981.
Prediction: 38-21 Pitt
Game Preview: Cincinnati vs. Pitt
Dec 5th
This is it, the final game of the regular season. The River City Rivalry. It couldn’t be a more perfect situation. The winner of this game takes the Big East Championship. Technically, if Pitt wins Cincinnati will be co-champions, but Pitt will get the BCS bowl bid gauranteed to the Big East. We doubt anyone will celebrate a co-championship in Cincinnati.
The Bearcats are undefeated this season (11-0). Pitt is 9-2 (5-1) after last week’s loss to WVU. The Panthers look to get 10 regular season wins today, which would cap the best season under Dave Wannstedt.
Here are our predictions for the game:
Mike_B:
This is it, the biggest game of the year. The scheduling couldn’t have been more perfect. Pitt-Cincinnati for the Big East championship and the BCS bowl berth. Cincinnati has already clinched at least being co-champions and the question is how focused is Brian Kelly. He is the head of the Notre Dame rumors, and one has to wonder if it is affecting the players at all. Then there is Coach Wannstedt, always criticized for not winning the big game. Cincinnati and the Sun Bowl last year, West Virginia last week. The list goes on and on.
Pitt fans are disappointed in the start time of the game being at noon, and it not being a primetime game. But Pitt fans, don’t let the early start stop you from being loud. The Panthers need you more then ever. Notre Dame was a good start, but be louder and stay behind the team. They need you behind them after the loss last week. There will be at least 3000 Cincinnati fans there. Don’t let them be louder then you.
The big question mark in this game is the defenses. Pitt’s secondary vs Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard. Cincinnati’s run defense vs Dion Lewis. These will be the matchups to watch. Pike and Gilyard will be one of the top quarterbacks and wide receivers respectively that Pitt has played all year. Pitt needs to pressure Pike much like they pressured Jimmy Clausen to not allow him to beat the Pitt secondary deep. Cincinnati has been giving up plenty of yards on the ground as of late, and Pitt needs to expose this tomorrow to not only put up the points, but to eat up the clock as well.
What’s crazy to me is Pitt is giving 1.5 points to Cincinnati. Now I know the usual home line is 3 points, but for Pitt to be favored, this almost feels like a sucker bet to me. Something just doesn’t seem right, and the Vegas line makers usually know what they are talking about.
Prediction: 45-38 Pitt
Dan_P:
I’ll keep this short, as it’s last minute.
You all know what’s on the line in this game. The Panthers know what’s on the line. Cincinnati knows what’s on the line. This game is going to be intense. These are the two best Big East teams. I’m disappointed that it’s at noon, but it doesn’t matter. That changes nothing.
Pitt is coming into this game leading the River City Rivalry. That means nothing. All that matters is how they play today. The team knows this and will be focused on today’s game, not the past. That includes forgetting the loss at WVU.
Look for Pitt to be focused and intense. The crowd will be loud and plentiful. Pitt’s a favorite in this game, and I completely agree. Cincinnati’s defense is their weak point. Pitt’s offense is their strong point. Look for Pitt’s defense to play like last week’s game and provide the Bearcats with a good obstacle to overcome. It’ll be high-scoring, but Pitt will take it in the end.
Prediction: 41-35 Pitt
Game Preview: 102nd Backyard Brawl – Pitt vs. WVU
Nov 25th
In just two days, Pitt travels to Morgantown for the 102nd edition of the Backyard Brawl. Pitt leads the series 61-37-3 and has won the last two. You might remember one of the more famous meetings between these two as the 2007 Brawl. That year, WVU was ranked 2nd in the nation and only had to win against a 4-7 Panthers team to visit the National Championship game. Pitt won the game 13-9.
Last year, the Brawl came back to Pittsburgh and the Panthers won 19-15. Can Pitt make it three straight this year? While they’re not quite in contention for a National Championship this season, they are undefeated in the Big East with only WVU and Cincinnati left to play. The Cincinnati at Pitt game on December 5th will decide the Big East Champion no matter what the outcome of this Friday’s game is, but a Pitt victory against WVU will secure at least second place in the Big East.
We’re giving you our predictions one day early this week. Enjoy!
Mike_B:
Sorry Pitt fans, I have to keep my post short today as I am getting ready to board a plane to Orlando for Thanksgiving. Here are my quick thoughts on the game though.
WVU’s running back Noel Devine may not play, and if he does, he probably won’t be 100% which is huge for Pitt. Jarrett Brown isn’t the best quarterback to light up the Panthers secondary.
Shady McCoy never understood the rivalry until his trip down to West Virginia. As soon as the bus stopped, it was pelted by rocks. He then understood and made it personal. I’m not sure if Dion Lewis needs this kind of motivation or not, but Pitt needs a big game from him. Cincinnati torched WVU for 175 yards on 18 carries in their game, Dion Lewis needs to do the same. WVU doesn’t have the greatest defense, so look for Lewis to carry the load, while Bill Stull manages the game using Dorin Dickerson and Jonathan Baldwin.
This may be a rivalry game, and WVU wants revenge for the past two years, but this is the best Pitt team in a long time in this rivalry and I feel that WVU is not up to Pitt’s level. The line maybe Pitt giving 1, but I feel a blowout is in store.
Prediction: 34-17 Panthers
Dan_P:
You have the honor this year of watching the best Pitt football team of modern times. Pitt hasn’t been this good since the early 80′s. The talent is abundant across the board. This is a Pitt team unlike any that WVU has seen in recent years.
Sure, this is a rivalry. Sure, WVU is going to try to turn this into revenge for 2007. But a few things are worthy of noting here. First, this isn’t the same WVU team that played that game in 2007. There’s a new coach, a lot of new players, and it’s just not the same team. The fanbase will remember and want to make it about revenge, but the team is going to make this game about this year, not 2007. Second, no matter how much anyone tries to point out the similarities, Pitt is simply not in the same position that WVU was in 2007. Pitt is not fighting for a National Championship game. Pitt isn’t even fighting for a chance at the Big East Championship. They’ve already secured a shot at it. All they have to do is beat Cincinnati for the Big East BCS bid. So really, Pitt has very little at stake in this game other than pride.
But make no mistake, that’s enough for Pitt. Pride is everything. A rivalry is unlike any other competition. You want it bad. You want it at all costs. And even though Pitt has virtually nothing to lose in this game, they’re going to come out with intensity. They want to make a statement. They know this game is a chance to make a statement. A big win against a formidable Big East opponent will go a long way with the national audience.
Look for Pitt’s defense to step up in this game once again. The defense against Notre Dame for the first three quarters was outstanding. They shut down the Irish. That’s the defense that you’re going to see this week, but not until they get a kick start. Look for WVU to put up some points early, but for Pitt to respond and shut them down after with maybe just a field goal later on in the game. I predict Pitt holds WVU to their lowest point total of the season.
As for offense, you’re going to see another outstanding game from Dion Lewis. He’ll go for 100+ yards yet again. Stull should come out comfortable and under control. He’s been here before. Look for him to lead the offense with some good play from his receivers to back him up.
I’m calling a fairly easy Pitt victory in this one.
Prediction: 28-17 Pitt
Pitt upset #2 WVU in 2007, the last time the Panthers were in that pile of dung that they call Morgantown, WV.
Countdown: Backyard Brawl
Nov 17th
Just 10 days left until the Backyard Brawl with WVU. Mark your calendars: November 27, 2009 – 7:00 PM.
This is just a reminder to Pitt fans that tickets are available through the Panthers Ticket Office at $50 per seat. Don’t miss out on a great game in a great season for Pitt. For those fans that absolutely can’t make it to Morgantown, the game will be televised on ESPN2.
This will be the 102nd annual Backyard Brawl. Pitt leads the series 61-37-3, and is on a two game winning streak in the Brawl. The Panthers will look to make it 3 straight on “Black Friday” this year.
Pitt upset #2 WVU by a score of 13-9 in 2007, the last time the Panthers were in that pile of dung that they call Morgantown, WV.
Preview: Notre Dame vs. Pitt
Nov 13th
Notre Dame comes to town this weekend for the Saturday night nationally-televised matchup against our own Panthers. As we’re sure the Pitt faithful already know, the game starts at 8:00 PM and will be televised on ABC.
Notre Dame comes into this game looking for redemption after last weekend’s loss to Navy. At 6-3 this season, Notre Dame has virtually knocked themselves out of the running for a BCS bowl, as well as endangered their possible invitation to the Gator Bowl.
On the other hand, Pitt comes into this game on a roll. The Panthers are on a 5 game winning streak and are 8-1 overall. They’re having their best season since 1981. Ranked 8th in the AP Poll, the Panthers are a contender for the Big East Championship this year.
So what do we expect from this game? Read on to hear our predictions for the game.
Dan_P:
Last week’s win against Syracuse didn’t exactly come as I had expected, but the score was pretty close to my prediction. I predicted a 38-10 Panthers win and instead got a 37-10 win. But the Panthers didn’t really come out as prepared as I had expected. They struggled in the first half, especially during the first quarter. The defense looked sloppy, special teams were atrocious, and Pitt just looked rusty. In the end, Pitt came together and, sparked by an interception and touchdown by Greg Williams, rolled over Syracuse.
Hopefully the Panthers got all of the kinks worked out last week. I’d imagine they addressed the problems on special teams this week during practice. They’re well aware of the offensive power of Notre Dame, as they should be. If the defense comes out unprepared this week, Notre Dame will jump on that opportunity and quickly make them pay for it. Pitt needs to come out playing their top game from the opening kickoff.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Pitt is the better team. The question is: Will they play like it? I think they will. Pitt knows that this game has no effect on the Big East race. They also know that it can affect the Big East’s chances of getting its second place team into the Gator Bowl. More importantly, they know that there are going to be a lot of people across the nation watching this game. This is a golden opportunity for the Panthers to shine in the spotlight and perhaps put to rest some of the criticism of the Big East Conference.
Look for the Panthers to be prepared and fired up for this game. Nothing excites the team more than playing a nationally televised, night time game in front of the home crowd. Heinz Field will be packed and the crowd will be loud. I get chills even thinking about what “Sweet Caroline” is going to sound like tomorrow night. I say Pitt comes out sharp, prepared, and focused. Just as they know Notre Dame has power, they know Notre Dame has weaknesses. Don’t think for a second that Pitt didn’t closely examine the Navy-Notre Dame game last weekend. Remember that it was the same Navy team that Pitt handed a 27-14 loss to earlier this year at Heinz Field. This team knows that they can beat Notre Dame, and they know how to do it.
Prediction: 34-27, Pitt
Mike_B
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of “America’s Darling” Notre Dame. They get to live off their name. They live off their tradition. But here’s the deal: They really aren’t that good. Let me rephrase that, their offense is very good, some of the best you’ll see throughout the nation. Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, and Michael Floyd are all players that you’ll see playing on Sundays. But their defense is putrid. They were run all over by Navy last week. And while they never had to punt, they still lost because of turnovers. I don’t doubt Clausen, Tate, or Floyd and their abilities, but I do doubt their head coach Charlie Weis. I doubt their defense. Notre Dame has barely escaped with their victories. Then again, they have barely missed victories in their defeats as well.
Pitt’s defense will really need to step up this weekend. Clausen will be the best quarterback they see all year. Tate and Floyd will be two of the best receivers they see all year. One key to victory for the Panthers will be getting pressure on Clausen. If they can do that and rattle him a bit, it will not give him the chance to go deep to Tate. Notre Dame will put up their fair share of points because their offense is just that good.
This will be an offensive game and that’s where Pitt will win it. Notre Dame is a pass heavy team. Pitt is more balanced and I think Notre Dame won’t be able to stop Dion Lewis. Pitt needs to ram the ball down Notre Dame’s throat to set the tone of this game: a smash mouth, hard hitting game. Get the run going and then let Bill Stull do what he has been doing best all year, the play action pass. Look for Jonathan Baldwin and Dorin Dickerson to have big games.
Panther fans, I ask you, please be ready for tomorrow night. Bring your A game for cheering. If Pitt gets down, stay loud. If they go up bigger, get louder. If Stull throws an interception, don’t boo. Let him know you are behind him. Make Notre Dame and all of their fans realize we don’t give a dame how they do it in South Bend. They are in Pittsburgh and Charlie Weis won’t be saving his job with the help of the Panthers. I want to hear a “Let’s Go Pitt!” chant before the band even marches onto the field. The game is a sellout and Notre Dame fans will be there. But wear your blue, lose your voice, and cheer on your Panthers like you’ve never cheered before. All year, Panther fans, we have heard people bash us as fans for not staying through the game, not selling games out, and not being loud. Let’s make that all change tomorrow. Let college football nation realize how proud we are of our team.
There will be no “Touchdown Jesus” tomorrow folks. No, tomorrow is Pitt’s day as they move to 9-1 (5-0).
Prediction: 38-24, Pitt
Preview: Syracuse vs. Pitt
Nov 6th
Here it is: Our first game preview. Pitt takes on Syracuse tomorrow at Heinz Field. Kickoff is set for noon. Pitt enters this game at 7-1 (4-0), their best record through 8 games since 1982. Syracuse makes the trip to the Burgh at a dismal 3-5 (0-3) and with a watered down roster. As Pitt tries to improve to 8-1 overall, 5-0 in the Big East, Syracuse is simply looking for its first conference win.
It’s time for our predictions for tomorrow’s game.
Dan_P:
I think Pitt is on a roll. Not only are they having a phenomenal season so far, with surprise performances from people like Mike Shanahan and just all around great play from Dion Lewis and Bill Stull, but they’re just firing on all cylinders in my eyes. Play calling is much improved this year. The offense is powerful and diverse. The defense is sometimes questionable in the secondary, but still holding its own with an NCAA-leading 33 sacks. They’ve cut back on dumb penalties. They’re getting healthy again. They’ve just pulled everything together and seem to be aware of their capabilities.
I just can’t see the Panthers losing tomorrow to Syracuse. I think they’re going to come out of the bye week hungry and focused. The team is aware that they have a tough couple of games after this week, but they’re also aware that the Orange are a Big East opponent that they simply cannot afford to lose to. I also think Syracuse is just too beat down by a rough season to put up a decent fight. They’re missing some key players after having Williams quit and three others suspended. I think that the weakened roster will just open up opportunities for the Panthers to really break out and have a great game.
I’m calling a blowout. I say even with Syracuse’s Big East-leading rush defense, Pitt puts big points on the scoreboard.
Prediction: 38-10, Pitt.
Mike_B:
After a much needed bye week for the Panthers, 8 weeks without one, the Panthers get to play the Syracuse Orange. The Orange, while their record is far from earth-shattering (3-5, 0-3), for whatever reason, always give Pitt a run for their money. Last year, Pitt needed some late game heroics to overcome an 11 point deficit to beat the Orange, and they beat the Orange two years ago by a slim 3 point margin. This is a good rivalry between two original Big East teams, but Syracuse would have been a bigger threat if not for Mike Williams quitting and the suspension of 4 other players.
Mike Williams quitting might be the biggest relief for the Panthers. Williams was leading the Big East in receiving, even after being suspended for the Akron game. He had that big play capability that would surely have burnt the Panthers secondary at least once. He was the one receiver that Greg Paulus could really rely on.
Torrey Ball and Jarrod Kimmel will be out for this game as well. Ball is out with a suspension and Kimmel is out due to a season ending knee surgery. While both players are not exactly high-impact players, they are two of Syracuse’s front line in their stout run defense.
Andrew Tiller is also out because of suspension. This, on the surface, could have weakened the Orange’s offensive line, but the return of Jim McKenzie really makes the suspension a moot point.
The other big loss for Syracuse is running back Antwon Bailey, who was the team’s second leading rusher.
In total, the Orange are down two of their top three receivers, two of their defensive linemen, and an offensive lineman. Add in a rookie quarterback, and what is hopefully a hot Pitt fan base, Pitt should have no trouble with this game.
Prediction: 41-7, Pitt.
And let’s not forget that the last time Greg Paulus played a Pitt team, he saw a scoreboard that read:
Pitt 65 – Duke 64
This game shouldn’t be anywhere near as close, but should still end with Paulus looking much like he does in the photo below. Hail to Pitt!
Greg Paulus, now the quarterback for Syracuse, cries as he plays in a Duke uniform against Pitt in 2007. Pitt (11) beat Duke (6) in OT, 65-64 with a late 3-pointer by Levance Fields. December 2007.
Panthers Not Looking Past Syracuse
Nov 5th
The Panthers are coming off of a bye week this Saturday when they face off with Big East foe Syracuse. Syracuse is an unimpressive 0-3 in the conference (3-5 overall). Earlier this week, Syracuse’s leading wide receiver Mike Williams announced days ago that he quit the team. That news came at the same time the team announced that it had suspended players Torrey Ball, Antwon Bailey, Andrew Tiller for the game this Saturday.
With Syracuse suffering player losses on top of its already bad season, plus all of the hype for Pitt’s remaining big games against Notre Dame, WVU, and Cincinnati, it’s easy to get caught up in a scenario where the Panthers overlook Syracuse and get taken by surprise at home this Saturday.
Don’t count on it though.
Wannstedt made it clear this week that Pitt has had one point of focus since the USF game: Syracuse. When talking about Syracuse earlier this week, Wannstedt said,
“They’ve got talent. They’re well coached. Our players understand the importance of the game, being a conference game. It’s going to be very important for us to have a great week of practice. We’ve got to go out there and approach it the same way that we have every other week. Take it one day at a time. Keep our focus on the job at hand and go from there. I’m confident with the leadership we have that we will do that.”
And when asked about the toughness of Pitt’s remaining schedule, he had this to say:
“There really hasn’t been much thought or conversation about that. It’s Syracuse. We have a big conference game and we need every ounce of focus and energy for this week. Then we’ll just take the next one and continue that.”
It’s reassuring to Panther fans to hear that from Coach Wannstedt coming into this weekend. Afterall, Syracuse has historically played well against Pitt. Just last year, Pitt needed a late 11-point comeback to beat the Orange. Two years ago, at Heinz Field, Pitt narrowly escaped with a 20-17 win. And, as Wannstedt pointed out in his interview, Syracuse has the top rushing defense in the Big East (7th nationally).
Aside from discussing the toughness of playing a Big East opponent, Wannstedt also touched upon addressing problem areas. He recognized the need for the Panthers to get healthy, and discussed their improvements in avoiding dumb penalties and turnovers.
Overall, it appears that Pitt is taking advantage of the bye week and will be prepared and focused for the game against Syracuse this Saturday. Check back tomorrow for our preview of the game.
Welcome to The Pitt Blog!
Oct 28th
Welcome to the Pitt Blog! The Pitt Blog is a new website that will bring you the latest sports news related to the Pitt Panthers of the University of Pittsburgh. Run by Pittsburghers, our site will bring you articles, interviews, photos, videos, and more… all relevant to the Panthers!
We’re currently working on getting everything set up, but as soon as we’re up and running, you can expect a steady flow of Pitt sports news on our site. In the meantime, check out our Twitter page and follow us. Following us on Twitter will ensure you’re among the first to know when we post new articles. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed by clicking the RSS link at the top right of the page. RSS is another way to ensure you receive the latest news from the Pitt Blog when it’s posted.
We’re looking forward to serving the needs of Pitt fans everywhere. Thanks for checking in with us!
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