Finally, A Balanced Game

[chirurgo]

It wasn’t perfect, but this was their most complete balanced game of the season. They ran the ball well. They passed the ball well enough. Pickett looked a lot better at managing the game. Hit just enough passes. He seems inches away from hitting his receivers on some potential big plays. No interceptions or turnovers for that matter. No Maurice Ffrench, and the offense lights up. Was Pickett too focused on him all season and not seeing the entire field? Shocky looked great tonight and got robbed on that touchdown catch. They came out throwing in the 2nd half for once and stayed aggressive.

Defense played well again. Howell got into a groove in the second half, missed a lot of throws in the first half, but we have a good idea of what to expect for the next couple of years at least. They overcame that in overtime and that’s what good teams do.

A lot of poor officiating again, but good teams overcome that too.

I think this team can run the table if the offense can keep this momentum. I think the off week helped and a few more days of preparation for Va Tech gives them a solid chance.

Huge win!

 

[Parkview57]

They ran the ball well

You forgot one word, "They ran the ball well"... enough. Davis had 58 yards on 19 carries, not enough yards per carry for your #1 ball carrier to consider it well done, IMO. But agree on all other points.

 

[H2P-2007]

The only thing that concerns me is that in different series both the offense and defense appeared to lose interest in the game.

 

[chirurgo]

You forgot one word, "They ran the ball well"... enough. Davis had 58 yards on 19 carries, not enough yards per carry for your #1 ball carrier to consider it well done, IMO. But agree on all other points.

Absolutely true. I think we are going to have to get used to that though. This offense doesn’t need the running attack we are accustomed to. It needs enough of a running attack to open up the pass. The blocking was much better last night, but I also noticed AJ Davis was making blocking reads right after the handoff like LeVeon Bell. Might be getting in better sync with the line. Will be interesting to see if the running game progresses with Va Tech

 

[chirurgo]

The only thing that concerns me is that in different series both the offense and defense appeared to lose interest in the game.

I noticed this too. I think it had more to do with UNC performing than Pitt taking a backseat. They caught Pitt in a few bad defensive schemes on their 2 scores in the 2nd half and the offense had a couple of series in the second where they couldn’t get a 1st down. Penalties killed them there too. If They commit a false start and delay of game consecutively on a punt against Va tech, the punt is gonna get blocked for a safety or touchdown. Special teams was not the bright spot last night.