Coming into the game as a 12 point underdog to a team that hadn’t had a regular season loss since November of 2016, the Panthers roared out of the gate on their way to a 21-point lead. Of course it was never going to be that easy and after the requisite UCF comeback, the Panthers found themselves down 31-21 midway through the 3rd quarter. With Kenny Pickett on the sideline, Nick Patti lead a touchdown drive to cut the deficit to three points. A missed Pitt field goal and lots of defensive stops later, UCF kicked a field goal to take a six point lead with 4:36 left in the game. Just enough time for a Pitt drive for the ages capped off by this:
Bill Connelly’s SP+ has the Panthers … losing ground? Don’t ask why, but one thing to note is that big wins don’t really add any weight, it’s all about sustainable things that a team does and most likely the system isn’t in love with the Panthers’ offense or special teams. Pitt comes in at #62 in the latest rankings. In ESPN’s FPI, the Panthers are up to #42. They’re still underdogs at Duke and home to Miami, but are favored in all other games this season, with a prediction of seven total wins. One note of concern is Pitt’s special teams which ranks 127 out of 130.
UP NEXT
Delaware. Delaware is an FCS school that plays in the Colonial Athletic Association. They are the second best team in the CAA and the #20 ranked team in the FCS. Pitt is a very large favorite and should win this game.
The ACC continued its hot and cold play with another easy win for Clemson, the big Pitt upset over UCF and UNC losing to Appalachian State. … Virginia was down 14 points to Old Dominion before rattling off 28 points for the win. … Miami squeaked by Michigan’s 5th best football program, Central Michigan, 17-12. … The conference will remain with only two representatives in the Top 25, Clemson and Virginia.
Florida State 35 – Louisville 24
App State 34 – UNC 31
NC State 34 – Ball State 23
Virginia 28 – Old Dominion 17
Clemson 52 – Charlotte 10
Wake Forest 49 – Elon 7
Boston College 30 – Rutgers 16
Syracuse 52 – W. Michigan 33
Miami 17 – Central Michigan 12
Great win…the entire state of Florida (besides UCF fans) is happy this morning. We can’t let the win overshadow some big mistakes though. Narduzzi, despite calling the Philly Special, was still WAY too conservative against a team like UCF. Jason Pinnock playing on 1 leg and an injured Pickett playing towards the end are inexcusable.
Clark Martineau
4 years ago
Nothing said about Pitt’s coach? Well, I’ll say it, we’ve got a great player’s coach.
He doesn’t let his players get down and puts them in a position to win, Hail to Pitt!
Great win…the entire state of Florida (besides UCF fans) is happy this morning. We can’t let the win overshadow some big mistakes though. Narduzzi, despite calling the Philly Special, was still WAY too conservative against a team like UCF. Jason Pinnock playing on 1 leg and an injured Pickett playing towards the end are inexcusable.
Nothing said about Pitt’s coach? Well, I’ll say it, we’ve got a great player’s coach.
He doesn’t let his players get down and puts them in a position to win, Hail to Pitt!