Pitt and UNC have identical W-L records--yet

[DC_Area_Panther]

Pitt is ranked in the human polls and UNC is not. This is despite both Sagarin's computer and the odds-makers believing UNC is a slightly better team with Pitt only favored by less than the home field advantage by both Sagarin and the opening odds.

Just shows how quirky human polls can be, IMHO.

 

[WoadBlue]

Pitt's loss is to the best team in the BT West. Ours is to a lousy SoCar squad that would have trouble beating Wake Forest. That is something to take into account.

 

[Pghfan]

Well whoever wins this will be ranked, obviously whoever doesn't, won't be in the top 25. I could see us being #21 on Monday with a win, UNC will be in top 25 if they win without a doubt, probably around 22 or 23..

 

[JSSTartan]

Pitt, Carolina and Duke are all very competitive teams in the Coastal and could play (when they're on) with practically anyone in the country. The national media is not giving the overall depth of the ACC credit. There are plenty of good/solid teams whose records are less than stellar (Louisville, GT and Syracuse, for example).

Win and the respect will come.

H2P

 

[Hero of the Oppressed]

The NC QB will present some difficult challenges. The key to victory will be making tackles on the first shot. They also have a much better defensive coordinator. their first game was a loss but they are playing well on both sides of the ball. They have good special teams also.

Home field advantage ? We have only played 2 home games so you would think a cranked up stadium of 50,000 would be to our benefit. also the tar heels have to travel on a short week. Maybe they are due to play a first half where they look less than crisp.

I could see a 10 point loss for Pitt or a 10 point win for Pitt. One thing for sure is that if the game is tight going in to the 4th quarter I would like our chances.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

UNC has better players. They should be favored. We have to win this game on coaching, execution, toughhness, and heart. Vegas doesnt account for that.

 

[The Loaded Italian]

happens all the time.

We are 6-1, we should be ranked... we will see if that ranking plays out Thursday

 

[steel1975]

Pitt is ranked in the human polls and UNC is not. This is despite both Sagarin's computer and the odds-makers believing UNC is a slightly better team with Pitt only favored by less than the home field advantage by both Sagarin and the opening odds.

Just shows how quirky human polls can be, IMHO.

we are extremely close together in the rankings when you look at the vote count

Pitt/UNC are closer by vote count than some teams in the top 20 who are ranked right after one another.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

The only unit where UNC has a decided advantage is special teams. Their use of Switzer on punt returns will cause any fan to hold their breath on every single punt. Winslow is going to need to continue his strong punting performances.

On defense, I believe that PITT has the edge, and is the key to this game. Getting pressure on M. Williams with 3-4 guys rushing the passer will necessitate the QB to make reads based on what the secondary/LBs are giving him; something he often struggles with. The play of our DEs and DTs is going to be really important in this game; nothing easy up the middle can be available or Hood/Williams will make the PITT D pay. Shedding blockers on the outside on screens will be equally important.

Amara, if he plays this week, will need to be MUCH better than he has been lately. His missed tackles, along with Whitehead having a subpar performance against Syracuse allowed for big plays. What's the status on Webb?

On offense, the rushing attack is really coming together. PITT really needs to wear down the clock and force UNC's O to stand on the sideline for long periods of time.

 

[Panthertag]

I hope this 6-1 start doesn't turn out like Wanny's 6-1 start...

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

I hope this 6-1 start doesn't turn out like Wanny's 6-1 start...

I really can't see Narduzzi allowing a collapse like the Wann did. The USF & UCONN games were disgraceful; making DJ Hernandez look like a Heisman candidate, only to see him switched to defense next year.

 

[Pittx9]

I think UNC is as good as or better than at least a few Top 25 teams. However, they've played two FCS teams. Pretty hard to get into the rankings with 6 wins and 2 of them (not the usual 1) against FCS teams.

Did I hear right though, it's tonight not next week that the first college football playoff rankings of the season come out?

 

[dave97]

Pitt's loss is to the best team in the BT West. Ours is to a lousy SoCar squad that would have trouble beating Wake Forest. That is something to take into account.

yes, but you should have beaten South Carolina with 3 ints in the red zone.

you woud beat them if you played again.

Hail to PITT!

Dave

 

[UNC_Blue]

yes, but you should have beaten South Carolina with 3 ints in the red zone.

you woud beat them if you played again.

Hail to PITT!

Dave

We also dropped a pick 6 where the DB could have walked into the end zone... hit him right in the chest... so many chances to win that game. We dominated them everywhere but the scoreboard.