Pitt vs. Virginia Tech: Preview, Prediction, TV and more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for Pitt:
Sep 28, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh defeated Virginia 14-3. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
1. Run the Football: Freshman James Connor leads the Panthers in rushing and they have to get the combination of Connor and Isaac Bennett going early. That won’t be easy against a dominant Hokies’ defense. The Panthers have allowed 13 sacks this season through four games. Virginia Tech has sacked the quarterback 19 times, tops in the nation, so Pitt doesn’t want to have to rely on the passing attack in this one.
Pitt ranks No. 88 in the country in rushing offense, averaging 140 yards per game. The Hokies, meanwhile, excel against the run. However Conner is averaging 5.7 yards per carry to go with his four touchdowns. His bruising style could wear down the Virginia Tech front four. Pitt needs to be patient and take three or four yard gains on the ground to set up manageable third down situations.
2. Pressure Logan Thomas: Much like the Panthers need to establish a ground game, they need to stop it as well. It shouldn’t be too difficult as the Hokies are struggling to run the ball. But in the meantime they need to pressure Thomas. He is prone to mistakes and while he is playing much better as of late, the Pitt front four must find a way to get to him.
A guy like Aaron Donald could be huge. Donald has been a fixture in the opponent’s backfield all season. The senior All-America candidate ranks second nationally in both sacks (1.5 per game, six total) and tackles for loss (2.3 per game, nine total). He will have to have a huge game for Pitt to pull off the upset.
3. Get the weapons the football: Pitt’s receiving tandem of Tyler Boyd and Devin Street are the ACC’s most potent receiving tandem. While Pitt needs to establish the run, they also have to find ways to get their playmakers the rock in situations where they can make an impact. Pitt is one of only three teams nationally to have two players averaging more than 100 receiving yards per game and if they put up numbers like that this weekend, Pitt should win.