38 - 34 
Something is becoming quite apparent in the early part of the ACC football season. Pittsburgh has a ton of heart, or basically the opposite of what we’ve seen out of Florida State.
Pittsburgh now two weeks in a row against P4 opponents has trailed by double digits in the second half. Against Cincinnati, they were down 27-6 in the 3rd quarter. They won 28-27.
Saturday in a Backyard Brawl classic with West Virginia led 34-24 with under 5 minutes to go. The never-say-die Pittsburgh Panthers led by QB Eli Holstein and a defense that finally found a way to make some stops roared back for another heart-stopping win. Pitt got their second win over a Big 12 team 38-34.
Is anyone for a UNLV vs Pitt Big 12 championship game? Those teams are 4-0 against that conference.
Back to Pitt, when you look at the Panthers, they have deficiencies no question. Their defense is hardly a lockdown unit, especially in the back 7. The offense can look great one minute, and can stall out the next.
What Pitt does have is a belief, they are never out of a game. That can count for plenty especially as the other phases of the game find themselves and try to get better.
With Youngstown State next and a BYE, Pitt has the opportunity to work on the parts of their game that are inconsistent while basking in a 3-0 start with two P4 wins. They are very likely to head to UNC 4-0.
You have to put Pat Narduzzi on the shortlist of early-season ACC COY candidates.
Beating Cincy with a big comeback might seem a bit fluky. You do it twice, and that’s the character of your team.
Pitt is a team you better watch come October.
