ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 6: Clemson shines, Pitt plummets
By Dante Pryor
8. Pittsburgh Panthers (3-1, 2-1)
It is going to be difficult for Pitt to continue winning if they cannot run the football. Kenny Pickett is a decent enough quarterback, but the Panthers need to take some pressure off of him. The running game has been nonexistent most of the season. Pitt is averaging just 130 yards rushing and just 3.3 yards per carry. The lack of a run game certainly hurt them against NC State.
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Pitt’s pass rush got to Devin Leary just twice and could not hold any leads after coming back from a 17-7 deficit. Give Pitt credit for coming back, but a run game that mustered just 2.5 yards per carry would be helpful for the Panthers.
On a positive note, Kenny Pickett has played better. He has not thrown the ball to the wrong jersey but twice this season.
Let’s be clear here, Pitt losing a game to NC State is about as Pitt as Pitt can get. The Panthers do not have much margin for error when it comes to winning. Not only do the Panthers lack a consistent running game, but they also lack dynamic playmakers on the perimeter. That pass rush, however can dominate a game. Ask Louisville.
The Panthers get Boston College next week which will tell us more about the Eagles than the Panthers.