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Pitt Football: Can Panthers repeat as ACC Coastal champs in 2019?

By Shane Lunnen

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Therran Coleman #4 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates with teammates after an interception that gave the Panthers a 44-37 win over the Syracuse Orange during the game at Heinz Field on October 6, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Therran Coleman #4 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates with teammates after an interception that gave the Panthers a 44-37 win over the Syracuse Orange during the game at Heinz Field on October 6, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

How will the Panthers fare in 2019?

Week 1: vs. Virginia (Aug. 31)
Week 2: vs. Ohio (Sept. 7)
Week 3: at Penn State (Sept. 14)
Week 4: vs. UCF (Sept. 21)
Week 5: vs. Delaware (Sept. 28)
Week 6: at Duke (Oct. 5)
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: at Syracuse (Oct. 18)
Week 9: vs. Miami (Oct. 26)
Week 10: at Georgia Tech (Nov. 2)
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: vs. North Carolina (Nov. 14)
Week 13: at Virginia Tech (Nov. 23)
Week 14: vs. Boston College (Nov. 30)

When is Pitt finally going to have a breakout season? They have not finished a season in the Top 25 since 2009 and the year also was the last the Panthers got to the 10 win mark.

Pat Narduzzi had back to back eight win seasons in his first two years but has regressed since. One would think as more of his recruits are added, they would improve. However Pitt’s downfall under Narduzzi has been consistency. They have shocked everyone by beating highly ranked Clemson and Miami teams in recent seasons. But then they will string together head scratching losses.

This season really could go one of two ways. Both sides of the football have the talent to exceed expectations and put up amazing seasons. If it all comes together, Pitt could push for eight or even nine wins and challenge again for the division.

The other side of the coin is what happens if the offense does not become more consistent and/or injuries start to pile up on the defensive side. Then the Panthers are staring at eight or nine losses.

The conference road trips are going to be tough, especially at Syracuse and Virginia Tech. Miami should be better this year, but the Panthers get them at home. The non conference slate is no slouch outside of Delaware. Even though they have to travel to Penn State, the Panthers do not leave the state of Pennsylvania all of September.

Next. Clemson Football: 3 reasons the Tigers won’t repeat in 2019. dark

Prediction: 6-6, 4-4 ACC

It is hard to project any confidence in how this year’s Pitt team will finish. So for those reasons, we will project them right in the middle with six wins. Perhaps they can finally get a bowl victory under Narduzzi and end the season with a little momentum.

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