Not sure about you guys, but I think Iowa may end up being the best combination of defense and QB Pitt faces this year. I think Betheard is much better than anyone thought, combining his arm and legs. And I think Iowa's rushing defense is for real (5th nationally). There will be other tough matchups, but the combination of that QB & D was pretty impressive.
Looking forward, Virginia Tech normally has a top defense but is off to a pretty average start defending the run. Granted, the opener against Ohio State is probably an outlier when it comes to looking at statistics. The Hokies are 108th in the country against the run.
Rushing against Va Tech:
Even giving up an average of 140 on the ground in those second two games ranks their rushing D in the mid 50s nationally.
Point is, I think Pitt's running game can improve in two weeks in Blacksburg. And I think VT missing their starting QB will add to it being a less difficult matchup. I'm optimistic that if Pitt quits messing around with the QBs and makes a few better decisions on the ground, this can be a win and a 1-0 ACC start.
Looking forward, Virginia Tech normally has a top defense but is off to a pretty average start defending the run. Granted, the opener against Ohio State is probably an outlier when it comes to looking at statistics. The Hokies are 108th in the country against the run.
Rushing against Va Tech:
- Ohio State: 360 yards
- Furman: 136 yards
- Purdue: 144 yards
Even giving up an average of 140 on the ground in those second two games ranks their rushing D in the mid 50s nationally.
Point is, I think Pitt's running game can improve in two weeks in Blacksburg. And I think VT missing their starting QB will add to it being a less difficult matchup. I'm optimistic that if Pitt quits messing around with the QBs and makes a few better decisions on the ground, this can be a win and a 1-0 ACC start.
