It wasn’t a defensive effort to remember, but Pitt overcame Duke’s 619 total yards and made a critical stop late in the fourth quarter with the game tied, giving Kenny Pickett and the Pitt offense one drive to complete the comeback. The Panthers drove 82-yards in 1:09, finishing it off with a 25-yard Pickett to Ffrench connection with five seconds left.
Pitt fans were introduced to freshman V’Lique Carter, who impressed the coaches so much while on the scout team he earned himself playing time. Carter responded with 137 yards and two touchdowns on seven carriers. The Panthers won by completing their first second half comeback since the Clemson upset. Pitt racked up 634 yards and 54 points on a team that coming into the game was 41st in YPG and 23rd in scoring defense. Pitt’s 484 rushing yards was the second most in team history.
Most importantly, Pitt is still in control of their own destiny in the ACC and just a half game behind the team they’ll play this Friday, the newly minted AP Top 25 Virginia Cavaliers.
Pitt moves up to #66 in ESPN’s FPI rankings after beating former #33 Duke. The Friday opponent Virginia may be in the Top 25, but they’re ranked 48th in the FPI, behind three team’s Pitt has already beaten: Georgia Tech (#37), Duke (#38) and Syracuse (#40). However, the FPI only gives the Panthers a 28.1% chance of upsetting the Cavaliers.
Pitt is #16 in the country in rushing yards per game but 89th in total yards. On defense they’re 103rd in the country in yards allowed and 107th in scoring defense. Qadree Ollison is 20th in the country in rushing yards. Maurice Ffrench is 8th in yards per kick return.
ACC Beat
Clemson continues to be the only real standout in the conference at #2 and all but assured a spot in the Playoff … Syracuse is back in the Top 25 after beating NC State and is joined by Virginia at #23 and Boston College at #24.
