PITT-Virginia Prediction, LINK!

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I have been worried about this game Since Mendenhall got the HC job. The Defense can use this game to continue to work out kinks and make progress against good passing Team to prepare them for the Off Week. Can Pitt Player's execute against a two-week prepared Virginia Team? Is this the letdown game with expectations to win before the Bye Week and VT, Miami, and Clemson look ahead??? The Pitt Offense have not had a bad game all year, but the OL will be tested on the Cav's 3-4 Defense.

However, I feel much better since the GT Win but the Offense is due for a tougher game. I now go from TOSS UP to PITT TOSS UP WIN, but this is Campus Insider's Prediction below. I expect a higher scoring game in 30s to 40s again.
Excerpts:
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
TV Broadcast: ACC Extra
..........In its last five games, Pat Narduzzi’s squad has played games that have come down to the wire, including the brutal last-second loss to ACC foe North Carolina. Fortunately for the Panthers, last week against GT had a different outcome.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0) are coming off of a bye last week following a 34-20 win over Duke. First-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall saw his team intercept five passes and force six turnovers in the road win over the Blue Devils. The five interceptions tied a program record, which was last done against Miami in 2010. After three straight losses to begin the season, the Hoos have wins over Central Michigan and Duke in their last two contests.

In last year’s matchup between these teams, the Panthers used a late defensive stand, forcing Cavs quarterback Matt Johns into four straight incompletions, to preserve a 26-19 victory. Each team has won on its home field in the series since Pitt joined the ACC in 2013.

What to Know About Virginia
The Cavaliers’ last game saw quarterback Kurt Benkert throw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, as he finished 23 of 41 through the air to help the Hoos snap their 17-game road losing streak. It was a team that did not in any way resemble the one that was badly outplayed by FCS foe Richmond in the season opener. So Mendenhall deserves credit for getting his squad to regroup after a rough start. Benkert has been a productive passer since transferring from East Carolina, but he needs to take care of the football better.

Advantages

Offense: Pitt.
The Panthers and Cavs are both in the Top 45 nationally in red zone offense, but Peterman has been taking care of the football a little bit better than Benkert.

Defense: Pitt.
The Cavs are giving up 471.6 yards per game.

Special Teams: Pitt.
Henderson is lined up in a variety of ways on offense, and he is always a threat to run a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Coaching: Even.
Mendenhall took every one of his BYU teams to a bowl game, while Narduzzi was the perfect fit for the Steel City when the Panthers hired him.

Intangibles: Even.
Both teams are on two-game win streaks.

Matchup To Watch
Pitt ground game vs. Virginia rush defense
Pitt is averaging 244.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks second in the ACC behind Louisville. The Cavs, meanwhile, are No. 71 in the FBS in rushing defense, giving up 162.0 yards per contest. The depth that Narduzzi has in the backfield allows him to keep multiple backs fresh, and it allows for such a balanced offense, especially when Peterman plays clean as he has been doing lately. Virginia will need to make this offense one-dimensional and put Peterman in unenviable third-down situations if the Cavs want to deliver Mendenhall his third consecutive win.
Betting Odds
Spread: Pitt -3
Over/Under: 61
Pitt vs. Virginia Prediction:
The Panthers can ill afford a second loss in the Coastal division this early in the season. UVA has looked like a completely different team over the last two weeks, and I think that improved play will continue. Ultimately,.................GO TO LINK...
LINK:
https://campusinsiders.com/news/pitt-vs-virginia-prediction-game-preview-10-11-2016/

 

[9nationalchampionships]

I'll bet when HCPN was hired no one would have predicted the over/under for a UVA game would have been 61! I like PITT in this game and if we ever get our D figured out....

Panthers - 36
Cavs - 22

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I'll bet when HCPN was hired no one would have predicted the over/under for a UVA game would have been 61! I like PITT in this game and if we ever get our D figured out....

Panthers - 36
Cavs - 22

I would love to see Pitt in 40s again, keeping a Big Lead, so Peterman gets some rest and stays out of Harms Way in the 4th Quarter with New Sub QB to get some Reps and get experience in the game.

If that Defense learns together better to keep it under 20 or 30 points, what a big difference that will become for VT, CANES, & CLEMSON games!

 

[PittPharmacy1989]

Pitt 41 UVA 37

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Pitt has yet to win at UVa. This is another small hurdle game. I expect another very, very close win.

Pitt 34
UVa 28

 

[yourhired]

Turnovers will be the key hopefully Pitt will limit the turnovers. I'm going to say Pitt 38 UVA 30

 

[heybandguy]

Pitt 28, UVA 17. Taking the under here.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Pitt offense maintains and defense takes a step forward--Pitt 38, UVA 20

 

[Phillypanther2]

This game scares me. I'm not sure why, just a gut feeling.
But this staff has done a great job of making sure the team is up for every game.
So I'll remain cautiously optimistic and anticipate pulling my hair out in the final minutes.

 

[President Stache]

The only thing I like about this game is their defense is banged up... BUT... the offense is playing very very well. I hate to say it, but I think we lose this one, 41-37 as Peterman throws a pick in the end zone to seal it for UVa

I think our offense is clicking like I would have NEVER believed it, but now teams have had many chances to prep for it, and sooner or later they will figure it out. Against a team that cant move the ball it will be OK, but Virginia, Duke, Miami it will tough. Also, we keep getting banged up on defense as well. We have a DE, CB, OLB all out for the year and Capara has not played in a while, and have several other nagging injuries on D. Not looking good unless one of the TRUE freshman surprise the living beejeebus out of us.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

This game scares me. I'm not sure why, just a gut feeling.
But this staff has done a great job of making sure the team is up for every game.
So I'll remain cautiously optimistic and anticipate pulling my hair out in the final minutes.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Pitt offense maintains and defense takes a step forward--Pitt 38, UVA 20

If Defense starts to click as Pitt & Staff expect to have Players execute it, and Offense again plays making few turnovers, protects Nate, and continues to improve on QB=WR-TE consistency for more Balance Attacks......then I can see a 42 to 45 Offense Points game with a UVA 20 Point limit where they score with some Pitt Defense Subs giving up those points. 45-20 Win!

If UVA has been working on a Game Plan the last 14 days that gets them off to a great lead start and Pitt must play catch up and makes turnover mistakes in the confusion from being behind, then UVA pulls off the close upset.

However, this was typical of Harris, Wannstedt, Graham, Chryst's Undisciplined Teams and OC's not being prepared with good game plans. Plus, not having the Pitt Players ready to execute and kept losing 1 to 2 Games almost every year from 1996 to 2014 that should have won but for Bad Coaching Planing, Unfocused Attitudes, and Poor Players Execution combined????

This was the Hallmark of those Pitt Teams due to the Coaches Learning and Teaching Players with poor attitudes, undisciplined practices, and lazy coaching planning under those 4 above. They got Bushwahcked by other Coaches or coming up too little and too late for a close lost looking dumbfounded how it happen?

Now when I see this Pitt Offense under OC Canada doing the Prep Game Plan, making sure Players Execute their assignments, and not seeing those pesky unfocused mistakes of going offside, dropping passes, and missing blocks? I am buoyed at that focus, discipline that turns into confidence among Pitt Players executing their assignments at least on Offense. Only a bad game performance by QB Nate can stop this Team or major Injury to Nate. In my judgment.

Additionally, the Pitt Special Teams except for the GT Runback and some early kicking problems have also been far better on being ready, disciplined, and focused, under Narduzzi. Unlike Chryst, Harris, Graham, and Wannstedt lapses of judgments, coaching, and unexplained lack of discipline, focus and execution costing 1 to 3 games a year.

Even when the those Coaches had their Offenses & Defenses ready to play and should have won, those Dumbo's would lose the Game on Special Teams Unit miscues and that really hurts Players morale, efforts, and confidence? Especially under Coach Mumbles and Harris's under paid ST Staff Stumbles.

Wannstedt and Grahams Teams just practiced not going off sides all week, dropping passes, missing blocks, only to do it 4 or 5 times on game day and then wonder what happen from the first to last games all season long? I don't see this on Coach Pat & Staff so far this season, there is clearly a change in attitudes?

Unlike those Pederson's Coaches, Players and Teams this Coach Pat & Staff Team is help winning games on Special Teams, staying in the games, and executing and that is one of the biggest changes in attitudes I have seen in 20 years.

Now if Pitt Defense can start to improve and just follow up executing 4 to 5 plays over 3 Quarters on coverage's that stop a key gain or TD, or tackling that stops bigger runs, on 3rd Downs, as we have seen in dips and drabs, this would be a change for 2016!

As well as, keep it up in the 4th Quarter by holding 4th Downs to no gains, with consistence tackling, non-penalty coverage's, and coming up with some interceptions, then this Pitt Team can take on VT, Miami, and Clemson.

This is the game for all of it to come together, but I thought that would happen in PSU, OKSU, UNC. MU and GT too? Still waiting!

So far, and so good, for Coach Pat Game Day Planning not making the small mistakes like the former coaches, and his Defense Players have just missed breaking up key plays that could have prevented 4th Quarter meltdowns, and now is the time to see to execute those differences from all mistakes, techniques and miscommunication.

Pitt should win this game and not have a letdown, just focus and execute on all 3 Units, not just 2 like the prior games and do all game long? Can't say they will for sure, but confident they should start being doing it about now if it will change in 2016 future?

We shall see?

 

[DruidTM]

I think this game scares this philly panther dude... he's posted 5 times about it

 

[President Stache]

I dont think you should make fun of someone's speech impediment

 

[Mthomas]

Pitt is very close to being undefeated with no pass defense on the corners

Pitt is getting better every week and you saw it last week

I like Pitt by 10 unless bad breaks or a meltdowns occurs but so far PN has them ready every single game

Hail to Pitt

 

[kma0043]

Keep pounding on the ground. The only things that can slow down the offense this week are turnovers and penalties, which Pitt has done well avoiding for the most part all year;
Pitt 41
Virginia 31

 

[caleco's]

buck fronco

 

[doubleAA's]

I will stay positive and say our defensive backfield will finally have a good game?? I mean !!
I do think penalties and turnovers will catch up with us and one of these days will hurt, so this week on the road, I will say ok, this is the week. 27-24 Pitt

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I dont think you should make fun of someone's speech impediment

I am mocking his Special Team Coaching he bragged about so many times, as he lost games won by the Offense & Defense, LLOL! When a Coach as to tell lies about that kind of coaching, it does not need any language to explain it, one can see it how badly he kept coaching them?????

At Wisky he was told by Alvarez the ST Coach is important and he made no argument with his Alma Mater since he made those mistakes mumbling to himself on losing games on Pitt Dime, glad he is gone, don't care what happens to him, he was just another coaching stand in under Penisson!

 

[oldpanther]

I have been worried about this game Since Mendenhall got the HC job. The Defense can use this game to continue to work out kinks and make progress against good passing Team to prepare them for the Off Week. Can Pitt Player's execute against a two-week prepared Virginia Team? Is this the letdown game with expectations to win before the Bye Week and VT, Miami, and Clemson look ahead??? The Pitt Offense have not had a bad game all year, but the OL will be tested on the Cav's 3-4 Defense.

However, I feel much better since the GT Win but the Offense is due for a tougher game. I now go from TOSS UP to PITT TOSS UP WIN, but this is Campus Insider's Prediction below. I expect a higher scoring game in 30s to 40s again.
Excerpts:
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
TV Broadcast: ACC Extra
..........In its last five games, Pat Narduzzi’s squad has played games that have come down to the wire, including the brutal last-second loss to ACC foe North Carolina. Fortunately for the Panthers, last week against GT had a different outcome.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0) are coming off of a bye last week following a 34-20 win over Duke. First-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall saw his team intercept five passes and force six turnovers in the road win over the Blue Devils. The five interceptions tied a program record, which was last done against Miami in 2010. After three straight losses to begin the season, the Hoos have wins over Central Michigan and Duke in their last two contests.

In last year’s matchup between these teams, the Panthers used a late defensive stand, forcing Cavs quarterback Matt Johns into four straight incompletions, to preserve a 26-19 victory. Each team has won on its home field in the series since Pitt joined the ACC in 2013.

What to Know About Virginia
The Cavaliers’ last game saw quarterback Kurt Benkert throw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, as he finished 23 of 41 through the air to help the Hoos snap their 17-game road losing streak. It was a team that did not in any way resemble the one that was badly outplayed by FCS foe Richmond in the season opener. So Mendenhall deserves credit for getting his squad to regroup after a rough start. Benkert has been a productive passer since transferring from East Carolina, but he needs to take care of the football better.

Advantages

Offense: Pitt.
The Panthers and Cavs are both in the Top 45 nationally in red zone offense, but Peterman has been taking care of the football a little bit better than Benkert.

Defense: Pitt.
The Cavs are giving up 471.6 yards per game.

Special Teams: Pitt.
Henderson is lined up in a variety of ways on offense, and he is always a threat to run a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Coaching: Even.
Mendenhall took every one of his BYU teams to a bowl game, while Narduzzi was the perfect fit for the Steel City when the Panthers hired him.

Intangibles: Even.
Both teams are on two-game win streaks.

Matchup To Watch
Pitt ground game vs. Virginia rush defense
Pitt is averaging 244.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks second in the ACC behind Louisville. The Cavs, meanwhile, are No. 71 in the FBS in rushing defense, giving up 162.0 yards per contest. The depth that Narduzzi has in the backfield allows him to keep multiple backs fresh, and it allows for such a balanced offense, especially when Peterman plays clean as he has been doing lately. Virginia will need to make this offense one-dimensional and put Peterman in unenviable third-down situations if the Cavs want to deliver Mendenhall his third consecutive win.
Betting Odds
Spread: Pitt -3
Over/Under: 61
Pitt vs. Virginia Prediction:
The Panthers can ill afford a second loss in the Coastal division this early in the season. UVA has looked like a completely different team over the last two weeks, and I think that improved play will continue. Ultimately,.................GO TO LINK...
LINK:
https://campusinsiders.com/news/pitt-vs-virginia-prediction-game-preview-10-11-2016/

Pitt 42 UVa 24

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Pitt 42 UVa 24

I LIKE THAT SCORE!

 

[BFo8]

Pitt 31-30 on a late FG. Blewitt continues his recent hot streak.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

Pitt 38 Virginia 24

This Pitt team needs to start showing they're getting a little better every game. Last week the Pitt offense showed they could come from behind late and win. This week the DBs need to finally show they can break up at least a few long passes. If they do, we know the team is continuing in the right direction. If they don't, Narduzzi, Conklin and Renaldo Hill have a lot of explaining to do.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Pitt 31-30 on a late FG. Blewitt continues his recent hot streak.

Oh no not another close game coming down to the last seconds with Blewitt ready to attempt a field goal, PITT snaps the ball, the kick is up, its good, its good, PITT wins with no time on the game clock!

Cant we just blow someone out so we all can relax for a change! PITT 35 UVA 17
Cant take many more of the close games.

 

[PantherO]

I predict the same pattern. Jump out to a lead and then have Virginia make it exciting in the end. Another game in the 30's perhaps. 38-34 Pitt

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

UVA is another air raid type team. With Maddox most likely out, they will throw early and often. Fortunately their pass defense is maybe worse than ours. So this has all the makings of another shootout, assuming the weather is decent. Best chance is to get a good pass rush & create some turnovers, but looks like they make a lot of quick throws so that might be difficult.

In the close games, we are 2-2. Really could be 4-0, but just as easily could be 0-4. Law of averages at its finest. I think this is another one of those type games and I think the averages will be on our side again. Pitt 45 UVA 41.

 

[pittsburgh1981]

UVA can sling it so this will be another disaster on the back end- I just see the week off really helping UVA in this game. Pitt is due to just lay a complete egg. I'll go UVA 37-30. Then that Thursday night vs. VaTech will look like a ghost town at Heinz Field.

 

[Las Panteras]

One thing pitt has not done much of is turn the ball over.

That changes this week......and coupled with a still weak pass defense. ...

Uva at home 38-31

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

So little faith. I think UVa lays a dud in the first half. Comes out flat. Hell, Duke turned it over 5 times and still hung around. I like Pitt here. I don't see UVa slowing Pitt's offense.

 

[raleighpanther]

Yes, UVA's only decent win was against Duke, who threw 4 interceptions, and also lost a fumble. 5 turnovers equals a loss. Pitt doesn't turn the ball over, and this VA D isn't going to make it happen against us.

On the other hand, the week off for VA, combined with Pitt going from a home win to a road game, plays to their favor.

This will be another high scoring affair. Since every game comes down to the wire for Pitt, picking a winner seems silly, unless you have confidence that you know whether Blewitt's potentially game winning kick will bounce in, or bounce out, after hitting the upright.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

So little faith. I think UVa lays a dud in the first half. Comes out flat. Hell, Duke turned it over 5 times and still hung around. I like Pitt here. I don't see UVa slowing Pitt's offense.

Could be a big Pitt Blowout too, if Pitt protects Peterman like it has been doing, and the Running Backs go wild, I would love to see some Back-Up QB Play by 4th Quarter! It would portend some things to come from OC Canada & Team next year?

I am just worried the team could be unfocused on the Bye Week to prepare for VT, MIAMI & CLEMSON, and overlook UVA with an Offensive Letdown. I expect the Defense will still be working hard but Mendenhall has had 2 Weeks to prepare for Pitt O, but OC Canada really has this Pitt Team playing better than I ever saw in the last 20 years!

 

[pittizit]

I have been worried about this game Since Mendenhall got the HC job. The Defense can use this game to continue to work out kinks and make progress against good passing Team to prepare them for the Off Week. Can Pitt Player's execute against a two-week prepared Virginia Team? Is this the letdown game with expectations to win before the Bye Week and VT, Miami, and Clemson look ahead??? The Pitt Offense have not had a bad game all year, but the OL will be tested on the Cav's 3-4 Defense.

However, I feel much better since the GT Win but the Offense is due for a tougher game. I now go from TOSS UP to PITT TOSS UP WIN, but this is Campus Insider's Prediction below. I expect a higher scoring game in 30s to 40s again.
Excerpts:
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
TV Broadcast: ACC Extra
..........In its last five games, Pat Narduzzi’s squad has played games that have come down to the wire, including the brutal last-second loss to ACC foe North Carolina. Fortunately for the Panthers, last week against GT had a different outcome.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0) are coming off of a bye last week following a 34-20 win over Duke. First-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall saw his team intercept five passes and force six turnovers in the road win over the Blue Devils. The five interceptions tied a program record, which was last done against Miami in 2010. After three straight losses to begin the season, the Hoos have wins over Central Michigan and Duke in their last two contests.

In last year’s matchup between these teams, the Panthers used a late defensive stand, forcing Cavs quarterback Matt Johns into four straight incompletions, to preserve a 26-19 victory. Each team has won on its home field in the series since Pitt joined the ACC in 2013.

What to Know About Virginia
The Cavaliers’ last game saw quarterback Kurt Benkert throw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, as he finished 23 of 41 through the air to help the Hoos snap their 17-game road losing streak. It was a team that did not in any way resemble the one that was badly outplayed by FCS foe Richmond in the season opener. So Mendenhall deserves credit for getting his squad to regroup after a rough start. Benkert has been a productive passer since transferring from East Carolina, but he needs to take care of the football better.

Advantages

Offense: Pitt.
The Panthers and Cavs are both in the Top 45 nationally in red zone offense, but Peterman has been taking care of the football a little bit better than Benkert.

Defense: Pitt.
The Cavs are giving up 471.6 yards per game.

Special Teams: Pitt.
Henderson is lined up in a variety of ways on offense, and he is always a threat to run a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Coaching: Even.
Mendenhall took every one of his BYU teams to a bowl game, while Narduzzi was the perfect fit for the Steel City when the Panthers hired him.

Intangibles: Even.
Both teams are on two-game win streaks.

Matchup To Watch
Pitt ground game vs. Virginia rush defense
Pitt is averaging 244.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks second in the ACC behind Louisville. The Cavs, meanwhile, are No. 71 in the FBS in rushing defense, giving up 162.0 yards per contest. The depth that Narduzzi has in the backfield allows him to keep multiple backs fresh, and it allows for such a balanced offense, especially when Peterman plays clean as he has been doing lately. Virginia will need to make this offense one-dimensional and put Peterman in unenviable third-down situations if the Cavs want to deliver Mendenhall his third consecutive win.
Betting Odds
Spread: Pitt -3
Over/Under: 61
Pitt vs. Virginia Prediction:
The Panthers can ill afford a second loss in the Coastal division this early in the season. UVA has looked like a completely different team over the last two weeks, and I think that improved play will continue. Ultimately,.................GO TO LINK...
LINK:
https://campusinsiders.com/news/pitt-vs-virginia-prediction-game-preview-10-11-2016/

 

[medixman]

I've been riding Pitt's overs like a surfer on a wave off the Hawaiian Coast!I like it one more time too.How can Va beat a team (C Mich)that beat OK State and then lose to Richmond and U Conn.Then C Mich lose to W Mich by 39,you have to love College Football!I think Pitt has a little hangover but Va isn't very good.Close for awhile then Pitt cruises to a win.H2P

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I've been riding Pitt's overs like a surfer on a wave off the Hawaiian Coast!I
I lived in Hawaii once!

like it one more time too.How can Va beat a team (C Mich)that beat OK State and then lose to Richmond and U Conn.
Called Inconsistent Adjustment Transition From London To Mendenhall Changing QBs!

Then C Mich lose to W Mich by 39,you have to love College Football!
Can't beat it!

I think Pitt has a little hangover but Va isn't very good.Close for awhile then Pitt cruises to a win.H2P
You Hitting it On a High Clip So I'll Stick With Pitt Is It!!!

 

[VAPITTALUM]

PITT will continue to spread its wings in the passing game with viable options in Matthews, Tipton, Weah, and Henderson stepping up. We may also see some more from Ffrench in this game, who looks like another very quick player who is dangerous in the open field. If Canada can find a way to utilize Ffrench and Henderson like New England uses their small receivers, this offense could take yet another step forward.

In the end, I really feel like the PITT secondary is due to make some plays that help this team gain momentum. Hopefully this is the game that happens.

PITT: 38
UVA: 27

 

[widesideend]

A little nervous the way the stars are lining up for this one. The Hoos at home (homecoming) with 2 weeks to prepare for our running game with a 'D" that's giving up 3.9 yds per attempt. They have a high passing offense, and with a new starter at CB with Maddox probably out is not a good matchup for us. Combine that with facing there 3-4 defense which we are not used to and their mix of blitzes., I see this one as a hard fought close game. Going with my heart on this one. PITT 34 VIRGINIA 30.

 

[cruzer]

I have been worried about this game Since Mendenhall got the HC job. The Defense can use this game to continue to work out kinks and make progress against good passing Team to prepare them for the Off Week. Can Pitt Player's execute against a two-week prepared Virginia Team? Is this the letdown game with expectations to win before the Bye Week and VT, Miami, and Clemson look ahead??? The Pitt Offense have not had a bad game all year, but the OL will be tested on the Cav's 3-4 Defense.

However, I feel much better since the GT Win but the Offense is due for a tougher game. I now go from TOSS UP to PITT TOSS UP WIN, but this is Campus Insider's Prediction below. I expect a higher scoring game in 30s to 40s again.
Excerpts:
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
TV Broadcast: ACC Extra
..........In its last five games, Pat Narduzzi’s squad has played games that have come down to the wire, including the brutal last-second loss to ACC foe North Carolina. Fortunately for the Panthers, last week against GT had a different outcome.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0) are coming off of a bye last week following a 34-20 win over Duke. First-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall saw his team intercept five passes and force six turnovers in the road win over the Blue Devils. The five interceptions tied a program record, which was last done against Miami in 2010. After three straight losses to begin the season, the Hoos have wins over Central Michigan and Duke in their last two contests.

In last year’s matchup between these teams, the Panthers used a late defensive stand, forcing Cavs quarterback Matt Johns into four straight incompletions, to preserve a 26-19 victory. Each team has won on its home field in the series since Pitt joined the ACC in 2013.

What to Know About Virginia
The Cavaliers’ last game saw quarterback Kurt Benkert throw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, as he finished 23 of 41 through the air to help the Hoos snap their 17-game road losing streak. It was a team that did not in any way resemble the one that was badly outplayed by FCS foe Richmond in the season opener. So Mendenhall deserves credit for getting his squad to regroup after a rough start. Benkert has been a productive passer since transferring from East Carolina, but he needs to take care of the football better.

Advantages

Offense: Pitt.
The Panthers and Cavs are both in the Top 45 nationally in red zone offense, but Peterman has been taking care of the football a little bit better than Benkert.

Defense: Pitt.
The Cavs are giving up 471.6 yards per game.

Special Teams: Pitt.
Henderson is lined up in a variety of ways on offense, and he is always a threat to run a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Coaching: Even.
Mendenhall took every one of his BYU teams to a bowl game, while Narduzzi was the perfect fit for the Steel City when the Panthers hired him.

Intangibles: Even.
Both teams are on two-game win streaks.

Matchup To Watch
Pitt ground game vs. Virginia rush defense
Pitt is averaging 244.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks second in the ACC behind Louisville. The Cavs, meanwhile, are No. 71 in the FBS in rushing defense, giving up 162.0 yards per contest. The depth that Narduzzi has in the backfield allows him to keep multiple backs fresh, and it allows for such a balanced offense, especially when Peterman plays clean as he has been doing lately. Virginia will need to make this offense one-dimensional and put Peterman in unenviable third-down situations if the Cavs want to deliver Mendenhall his third consecutive win.
Betting Odds
Spread: Pitt -3
Over/Under: 61
Pitt vs. Virginia Prediction:
The Panthers can ill afford a second loss in the Coastal division this early in the season. UVA has looked like a completely different team over the last two weeks, and I think that improved play will continue. Ultimately,.................GO TO LINK...
LINK:
https://campusinsiders.com/news/pitt-vs-virginia-prediction-game-preview-10-11-2016/

This is a game we should win relatively easily, but somehow I think this will be another nail biter. Zero defense will be played by either team.

I'm going with the absurd score of:

Pitt 48
UVa: 44

Cruzer

 

[TD_6082]

Pitt needs this game badly. 30-24 Pitt.

 

[EastOhioPanther]

Pitt 42 UVa 24

I agree.. Pitt 42- Virginia 24

 

[doubleAA's]

This is a game we should win relatively easily, but somehow I think this will be another nail biter. Zero defense will be played by either team.

I'm going with the absurd score of:

Pitt 48
UVa: 44

Cruzer

Why on earth should Pitt win this game easily??