How Might the Pitt Defense Look for the Bowl Game?

There’s a pretty good chance that the starting Pitt defense will hit the field against Toledo next week in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

There are some moving pieces (transfer portal losses, NFL Draft declarations, injuries), but Narduzzi said roughly 90% of the seniors will play. And as of now, there haven’t been any opt-outs — or serious injuries.

The bowl game is an opportunity for some younger players to see the field, but it’s also the final chance for some of the seniors to play for the Panthers. So, it will be interesting to follow the mix of younger and older on the field.

So, here’s a look at how the Pitt depth chart may look against Toledo on Dec. 26 at 2 p.m.

Defensive Line 

Nate Matlack – Sincere Edwards

Sean FitzSimmons – Francis Brewu

Nick James – Isaiah Neal or Jahsear Whittington

Jimmy Scott – Chief Borders

Nate Matlack will play his final game at Pitt, and while he’s likely going to get a chance at the NFL, it’s not a certainty. Regardless, it’s his final college game and an opportunity to impress scouts. Jimmy Scott, Sincere Edwards and Chief Borders are all slated to return next season, so they will see plenty of snaps.

Sean FitzSimmons and Nick James will both be back next season, as will Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington, and Isaiah Neal rounds out what appears to be a very solid defensive tackle unit.

Linebacker

Kyle Louis – Jeremiah Marcelin

Brandon George – Keye Thompson

Rasheem Biles or Braylan Lovelace – Jeremiah Marcelin

The linebackers, aside from Jordan Bass, are pretty healthy. Kyle Louis, Rasheem Biles and Braylan Lovelace have one more chance to flank Brandon George and Keye Thompson. It may be the final games for George and Thompson, but Louis, Biles and Lovelace are all slated to return next season.

It’s a star-studded trio, one of the best in college football, but there’s still a chance that younger linebackers like Jeremiah Marcelin (especially), Cam Lindsey and Davin Brewton get some snaps.

Secondary 

Ryland Gandy – Tamarion Crumpley

Javon McIntyre – P.J. O’Brien Jr.

Donovan McMillon – Cruce Brookins

Rashad Battle – Tamon Lynum

The secondary will very likely look exactly as it did all season. Javon McIntyre, Donovan McMillon and P.J. O’Brien Jr. will lead the way, with Cruce Brookins playing his fair share of snaps. Ryland Gandy, Rashad Battle and Tamon Lynum will likely play the majority of snaps at cornerback.

It will be interesting to see if younger players like Jesse Anderson at safety and Shadarian Harrison and Tamarion Crumpley get an increase in snaps.

Depth Chart 

DE – Nate Matlack

DT – Sean FitzSimmons

DT – Nick James

DE – Jimmy Scott

LB – Kyle Louis

LB – Brandon George

LB – Rasheem Biles

CB – Ryland Gandy

S – Javon McIntyre

S – Donovan McMillon

CB – Rashad Battle