Other than the same stuff as usual (penalties, turnovers, special teams) here's how I see Pitt being able to have a shot against UCF:
1.) Keep UCF's run game from getting outside
Interestingly, UCF runs with an h-back/fullback a LOT with 3 WR's. They count on forcing teams to play man on the outsides so the outside run support from the DB's is negated. Their backs bounce a lot of runs but have good enough vision to take it inside if the OLB's start to cheat. Pitt has to tackle the backs well and prevent them from getting the sideline. UCF broke one long run against Stanford and otherwise averaged around 3 ypc.
If Pitt can keep their ypc under 4 it's a good sign they're tackling well.
2.) Discourage UCF's vertical routes
Everything UCF does passing is essentially off playaction. It's not a really complicated offense. Especially against man teams. They want to run the ball until they take a shot. They obviously have more than that in the repertoire but that's their bread and butter. If Pitt can get a combination of good pocket pressure and good CB play, I think it can limit the vertical game from UCF. Since UCF has some size on the outsides, I'd expect to see more Pinnock on the outside than Mathis this week to go with Jackson. Twyman pushing the interior will be key.
Florida Atlantic actually did pretty well preventing deep passes and forcing UCF to make shorter completions. FAU didn't have athletes to tackle UCF's in the open field but I actually liked the blueprint.
3.) Pitt's vertical passing game
I think UCF's defense can be had deep down the field. They play high pressure defense. It reminds me a little of Rutgers under Schiano. Playing underneath routes very heavy and trying to run blitz a lot on early downs. I don't see Pitt's OL necessarily improving enough in the run game to be able to rely on the run game to wear them down, but UCF does take risks defensively and their back end can be had.
UCF is very very aggressive but I question the athleticism of their back 7 if we see the Pickett of the past 2 weeks, I think the offense could be better than expected against UCF's defense. I think it's clearly the 3rd best defense Pitt has faced this season and you'd hope the offense continues progressing as it has so far. KP reminds me of Joe Burrow from last season - Burrow definitely gave UCF problems by being able to move around a little bit and have the arm to make strong downfield throws.
KP's intermediate and deep accuracy will go a long way to determining the game flow.
1.) Keep UCF's run game from getting outside
Interestingly, UCF runs with an h-back/fullback a LOT with 3 WR's. They count on forcing teams to play man on the outsides so the outside run support from the DB's is negated. Their backs bounce a lot of runs but have good enough vision to take it inside if the OLB's start to cheat. Pitt has to tackle the backs well and prevent them from getting the sideline. UCF broke one long run against Stanford and otherwise averaged around 3 ypc.
If Pitt can keep their ypc under 4 it's a good sign they're tackling well.
2.) Discourage UCF's vertical routes
Everything UCF does passing is essentially off playaction. It's not a really complicated offense. Especially against man teams. They want to run the ball until they take a shot. They obviously have more than that in the repertoire but that's their bread and butter. If Pitt can get a combination of good pocket pressure and good CB play, I think it can limit the vertical game from UCF. Since UCF has some size on the outsides, I'd expect to see more Pinnock on the outside than Mathis this week to go with Jackson. Twyman pushing the interior will be key.
Florida Atlantic actually did pretty well preventing deep passes and forcing UCF to make shorter completions. FAU didn't have athletes to tackle UCF's in the open field but I actually liked the blueprint.
3.) Pitt's vertical passing game
I think UCF's defense can be had deep down the field. They play high pressure defense. It reminds me a little of Rutgers under Schiano. Playing underneath routes very heavy and trying to run blitz a lot on early downs. I don't see Pitt's OL necessarily improving enough in the run game to be able to rely on the run game to wear them down, but UCF does take risks defensively and their back end can be had.
UCF is very very aggressive but I question the athleticism of their back 7 if we see the Pickett of the past 2 weeks, I think the offense could be better than expected against UCF's defense. I think it's clearly the 3rd best defense Pitt has faced this season and you'd hope the offense continues progressing as it has so far. KP reminds me of Joe Burrow from last season - Burrow definitely gave UCF problems by being able to move around a little bit and have the arm to make strong downfield throws.
KP's intermediate and deep accuracy will go a long way to determining the game flow.
