Season Defining Game For Pitt?

Following a bye week, Pitt returns to action this Thursday night as they host Virginia Tech (5-2) on ESPN. How big of a game is it? I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it could be a season altering game for Pitt.

Pitt’s season wouldn’t be a failure if they lose but a win would be so important for Pat Narduzzi and his team.

(Photo credit: David Hague)

1) Coastal Conference crown: Pitt currently trails first place North Carolina by a game in the Coastal and a win would give Pitt an advantage over the Hokies in the standings.

Considering North Carolina’s remaining schedule it’s probably unlikely Pitt catches them however a win keeps the pressure on Carolina to keep winning.

North Carolina 4-1

Virginia Tech 3-1

Pitt   2-1

2) Quality win: A win would give the Panthers another win over a quality opponent on national television. Everyone remembers the win over Penn State, but Thursday night will be on ESPN and viewed by a lot of people and recruits. Following Penn State’s upset last night, Pitt’s win over the Nittany Lions will be viewed as more impressive. A win on Thursday would be another big one for Pitt.

James Conner celebrates TD September 10, 2016 (Photo credit: David Hague)

3) 10 win season? At the start of the season, I said that Pitt had a chance to win 10 games this season and a win Thursday would keep that as a possibility.

A win on Thursday would be #6 for Pitt with remaining games with Miami, Clemson, Duke, Syracuse and a bowl game.

Why is a 10-win season a big deal? It would be a milestone considering Pitt has had only one 10 win season since 1982 (2009 Pitt went 10-3).