Pittsburgh Panthers: ACC Coastal preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers ranked 13th in the 15-team 2020 ACC conference with 380 yards and 29 points per game. The passing game could be a top-five unit in the ACC this year.
Senior QB Kenny Pickett returns after 2400+ passing yards, 13 TDs and nine INTs. He has a solid WR group with Jordan Addison (60 catches), DJ Turner and TE Lucas Krull.
The issue lies in the run game, which averages just 120 yards per game. Their deep roster could find a diamond in the rough, though. Vincent Davis had 632 yards and six TDs, and AJ Davis followed it up with 266. QB Pickett is quite the goal-line threat with eight rushing TDs.
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Their defense will be able to regroup after losing top stars, but it won't be easy. OLB John Morgan could be the next golden ticket. Defensive tackles Devin Danielson, Tyler Bentley and David Green will be an excellent group up front.
The secondary took a hit, losing both S Damar Hamlin and S Paris Ford.
2021-2022 ACC Coastal preview: Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh's strength: The linebackers are stellar could all be All-ACC: Cam Bright (4.5 sacks, 50 tackles, 7.5 TFLs), SirVocea Dennis (4 sacks, 55 tackles, 14 TFLs), and Phil Campbell (4.5 sacks, 45 tackles, 8.5 TFLs). Chase Pine could end up leading the team in tackles in 2021.
Pittsburgh's weakness: The run game is the weak link. In 2018, the Panthers averaged 5.6 yards per carry when they made the ACC Championship and had close to 3,200 total yards.
In 2019, they averaged 3.5 yards per carry for just over 1,500 yards. 2020 saw just 3.4 yards per carry and 1,319 total rushing yards (in two fewer games). The OL needs to help out and be more physical. The Vincent Davis/AJ Davis duo needs to click.
Pittsburgh Panthers Key Players: Offense
QB: Kenny Pickett - He throws too many INTs (25 in 39 games). Pickett is in his fifth year with the Panthers, fourth as the starter. Still, he's experienced and could work some wonders with the offense. He's mobile enough to make plays and magical at the goal-line. The Panthers need him to be clutch.
OT: Marcus Minor - The OL needs more aggression to improve the offense overall. Three starters return, but they need size and versatility. Minor is a transfer from Maryland and can swing as a guard or tackle. If he wins an inside job, he can help open the run lanes and give Pickett time in the pocket.
Pittsburgh Panthers Key Players: Defense
LB: SirVocea Dennis - Dennis is an elite ACC all-around LB. He's not the biggest, but is a superior athlete, finishing second on the team with 57 tackles. He possesses top-notch speed to get to the ball carrier in the backfield.
DE: Deslin Alexandre - Alexandre bulked up over the years but can line up as a quick DT or big DE. With Patrick Jones and Rashad Weaver out of the picture, the team needs Deslin to play both positions well.
2021-2022 Pittsburgh Panthers ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs UMass
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at Tennessee
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Western Michigan
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs New Hampshire
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at Georgia Tech
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, at Virginia Tech
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, vs Clemson
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Miami
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Duke
Week 10: Thursday, November 11, vs UNC
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Virginia
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at Syracuse
2021-2022 Pittsburgh Panthers ACC prediction (9-3, 6-2 ACC)
Pittsburgh will split wins between Miami and UNC, effectively taking out whichever outfit they beat. There will be a big loss to Clemson in the middle of the season. They'll score big wins over Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Miami. The Panthers could finish second in the ACC Coastal, but UNC has the title shot this time.
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