ACC Football: Each team’s top Heisman Trophy candidate for 2020
By Dante Pryor
Here’s why Pitt’s candidate is not defensive standout Jaylen Twyman. If Pitt is to make a run this season, the offense has to pose some sort of threat. Everyone was entertained by “Pitt Specials” last season, but it didn’t matter how great the pass rush was if their offense sputtered; they lost.
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The Panthers were without their standard bell-cow running back last season, and it does not seem as if they do not have one on the horizon. If the Panther offense experiences a revival, it will be on the right arm of quarterback Kenny Pickett and more offensive aggressiveness on the part of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple.
There was not a single player on Pitt’s offense that scared you last season. Last season’s leader in receptions averaged less than 10 yards per catch, and the offense averaged only five yards per play. If the offense becomes more potent, it is because Kenny Pickett is going downfield more often.
It might help the offense if they found a different way to get the plays in without Pickett having to run to get the plays from the sidelines. If he didn’t have to sprint all game, maybe he’d have some leg strength to drive the football.