Let's take a look at Pitt football.
Best / Worse Case Record for :
Louisville | Virginia | Miami | Duke | Georgia Tech | Boston College | Florida State | Virginia Tech | NC State | Clemson | Syracuse | North Carolina | Wake Forest
Pittsburgh
Is this a now or never year for Pat Narduzzi? In six years at Pitt, Narduzzi has lost at least 5 games every single year. It’s been combination of stirring upset wins, and inexplicable losses. In the past NFL draft, Pittsburgh had more NFL picks that any program in ACC, after coming off a disappointing 6-5 season. That’s the story of Narduzzi’s Pitt tenure, highs and lows then highs and lows. At some point soon Pittsburgh will breakout, or end up near the bottom of the ACC.
Will Go 9-3 (5-3) if:
The offense takes off. Pittsburgh leading rusher, receiver, and starting quarterback all return. I would expect a number 79 offensive ranking from 2020 to improve. Jordan Addison is a talented young WR who will be a star. Kenny Pickett brings experience at QB. The defense lost some talent, but may not drop off all that much. There’s a pivotal game at Tennessee, and if Pitt wins that, the season could take off in a 5-0 start. Pitt gets Miami and UNC at home. Even Clemson is at home.
Will Go 5-7 (2-6) if:
Pitt can’t break out of their history. Pitt has become basically automatic under Narduzzi to lose at least 5 games. Actually the stretch of mediocrity even pre-dates Narduzzi. Pitt has lost at least 5 games for 11 straight years. It’s not a stretch that you add on a couple of more in 2021. Clemson, Miami, UNC, and Tennessee could certainly be losses. That’s 4 losses right out of the gate. Can you really feel comfortable with a rushing offense that ranked 111th in the nation last year? 6 Pitt Panthers were drafted in the most recent NFL draft. That’s a lot of talent to replace, and Pitt isn’t in the Alabama/Clemson category of simply reloading.
