After losing back-to-back games for the first time in the Justin Fuente era, Virginia Tech is looking to bounce back on Senior Day against Pittsburgh. With that said, Jackson Pugh goes Inside The Enemy with the Pittsburgh Panthers.
1. The Offensive Struggles
It is no secret that the 4-6 Panthers have struggled this season, and their inability to score points is a major reason for that. Pittsburgh ranks 97th in total offense, 97th in 3rd down conversion percentage, and 97th in sacks allowed. The inability to sustain drives, as evident by their woeful third down numbers, has been in large part due to the quarterback mess going on in the Steel City.
The injury to former starting QB Max Browne was devastating. Browne threw for 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in six games, all before his career ended on a shoulder injury against Syracuse. Since then, things have not been so good under center; backup Ben Dinucci has a touchdown-interception ratio of 4-4. Regardless of who has been the signal caller, opposing defenders have spent a lot of time in the face of Pitt quarterbacks in 2017. Indeed, it would take Ben Roethlisberger-type toughness to deal with this offensive line, as the Panthers have allowed 26 sacks this season.
The Hokies have been one of the best 3rd down defenses in the country, ranking 4th in the nation with a third down stoppage rate of 74.3%. If these statistics stay true, it could be a long afternoon for Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers' offense.
- The Poor Secondary Play
- The Rise of RB Darrin Hall
- Star Player: OL Brian O’Neill
- Star Player #2: Quadree Henderson
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