Pitt football could have one of the best defensive teams in the country. Will it translate into wins and a trip to the ACC title game?
Last season the Pitt Panthers went 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the ACC. The Panthers under head coach Pat Narduzzi seem to be good for one upset a season and last year’s was huge, a 35-34 victory over UCF, breaking the Knights 25-game regular season winning streak.
Narduzzi heads into his sixth year in Pittsburgh. He is 36-29 in five seasons and notched his first bowl victory to conclude last season against Eastern Michigan.
When Mark Dantonio retired from Michigan State, there were rumors Narduzzi may go back to take the job where he was defensive coordinator for eight seasons. Ultimately the Spartans hired Mel Tucker and Narduzzi stayed in Pittsburgh.
This season may be the best team of his tenure. The Panthers should have one of the best defensive units in the country. He has a three year veteran under center and an offense with talent. The Panthers made the ACC title game two seasons ago in a wonky Coastal division. This season they could get back to Charlotte with a better record.
Pitt has not won more than eight games in over 10 seasons. They have not been power players in college football going back even further. This season could be different.