Pitt Football: 3 takeaways from ACC Coastal-clinching win over Virginia

On Saturday afternoon, No. 18 Pitt football became the ACC Coastal champion after its 48-38 victory against the Virginia Cavaliers at Heinz Field. Senior quarterback Kenny Pickett threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns while running back Vincent Davis ran for 100 yards in the win.

The win gives the Panthers their second ACC Coastal title and second opportunity to play for a conference championship and New Year’s Six Bowl. The Wahoos did not go quietly into that good night, however. Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong threw for 487 yards and three touchdowns in a losing effort.

Pitt receiver Jordan Addison was outstanding with 14 catches, 202 yards, and four touchdowns. Dontayvion Wicks and Keyton Thompson each had solid performances for Virginia with 10 and 11 receptions, respectively.

Here are three more takeaways from today’s game.

3. Defense was optional

This afternoon’s game featured 86 points and 1,023 yards of offense. Those that follow the ACC Coastal know that is just another day at the office for the Panthers and Cavaliers. It is astounding that the Virginia Cavaliers cannot run the football, yet teams cannot figure out how to slow down the Cavaliers’ offense.

Pitt has run the football better this season than in years past. Though it is ironic, the University that produced Tony Dorsett and Curtis Martin doesn’t have a more dominant running game. Such is offensive coordinator Mark Whipple’s scheme. Their Air-Raid uses the running game in a complimentary way.

Brennan Armstrong had another fantastic outing for the Cavaliers despite the loss. Kenny Pickett had whatever he wanted throwing the football. In defense of the defense, Pitt did sack Armstrong five times in the game.

Pitt made just enough plays defensively to keep Virginia at arm’s length. The V-Men scored the opening touchdown and did not lead the rest of the game. The game was Virginia chasing Pitt, trying to overtake them.