We’re three days from the start of the 2019 Pitt football season and the feeling about this year’s team seems to be mixed.
When analyzing the team’s strengths and weaknesses you’d find reasons to be enthusiastic but there are also enough things that would cause you to be concerned.
The Panthers appear to be strong on the defensive line, in the secondary and at wide receiver. Uncertainty lies with the quarterback, offensive line and whether or not a featured running back will emerge.
When considering all of this, it’s difficult to try and predict a final record. Plus, Pitt will once again play one of the tougher non-conference schedules in the country with Penn State, Ohio University (preseason MAC favorites), Central Florida and Delaware.
Pittsburgh Sports Now asked a number of the local media in Pittsburgh for their prediction on Pitt’s 2019 record and a possible breakout performer.
The Predictions
Andrew Stockey, WTAE-TV: 6-6 overall, 4-4 in conference, breakout player: Paris Ford.
Jeff Hathhorn, 93.7 The Fan: 8-4 with Paris Ford as the breakout player–solid depth in the secondary will allow Ford to be a playmaker.
Will Graves, Associated Press: 8-5 (bowl win), Breakout player: Jaylen Twyman
Craig Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: 7-5 and Vincent Davis will be the breakout player.
Chris Dokish, veteran Pitt writer: 8-5 (bowl win), Paris Ford should finally be a major factor.
Josh Taylor, KDKA-TV / 93.7 The Fan: 7-5, breakout player Will Gragg.
Ryan Recker, WTAE-TV: 7-5, Todd Sibley and Amir Watts.
Mike Asti, Steelers Now / Pittsburgh Sports Live: 7-5, Chase Pine
Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette / 93.7 The Fan: 8-4, Kenny Pickett and Paris Ford.
Rich Walsh, KDKA-TV: 8-4, Paris Ford
Bob Pompeani, KDKA-TV: 7-5. Kenny Pickett much better than last year, I worry about protection.
Joe Starkey, 93.7 The Fan / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: 6-6, Mark Whipple (he will start at least one game)
Dejan Kovacevic, DK Pittsburgh Sports: 7-5, Paris Ford.
Andrew Fillipponi, 93.7 The Fan: 6-6, Pitt RBs AJ Davis, V’Lique Carter and Todd Sibley. Damar Hamlin will make 1st team All-ACC.
Chris Mueller, 93.7 The Fan: 5-7, Todd Sibley
Interesting predictions from the Pittsburgh sports media. I also feel it will be an 8 win 4 loss season as a regular Joe and a novice compared to these gentlemen. I think Jaylen Twyman along with Habakkuk Baldonado will be breakout stars.
10 and 2 with PS and one away conference loss. Breakout player will be the Pitt Defense.
Beating the Fraud at Penn State is most important game to me. Pitt needs to send Franklin into the Sunset with a Large L shoved up his fake ass. 8-5 would be the minimum Pitt Fans should expect in Coach Narduzi’s 5th season
7-5, breakout is Twyman and a TBD running back. 8-5 with a bowl win.
Thanks for the prediction Ryan. We’ll be posting national media predictions today.
9-4 (bowl win). Breakout player – Patrick Jones II
I like the Patrick Jones pick