For the first time since its 1976 national championship season, Pitt will travel to Atlanta to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This will turn out to be a big game as both teams need a win to keep pace with the upper tier in the ACC Coastal Division.
The Panthers are coming off a disappointing loss at the hands of Navy last week while the Yellow Jackets enter as winners of two straight.
This is a game that could go a long way to gaining a bowl bid.
Pitt needs the win badly as they still have games against Notre Dame and Miami on the schedule while the Yellow Jackets still have to face off against Georgia and Clemson.
Can the Panthers go on the road and steal another ACC win?
Let’s take a look.
When: Saturday, November 2
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 7 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPNU
Spread: Georgia Tech (-10.5)
Series History:
Series Began: 1918
Series Overall: Pitt leads 5-2
ACC Series: 0-0
At Pittsburgh: Pitt leads 3-0
At Georgia Tech: Pitt leads 2-0
At Neutral Sites: Georgia Tech leads 2-0 (two bowl games)
Last Meeting at Pitt: Oct. 23, 1920 (Pitt 10, Georgia Tech 3)
Last Meeting at Georgia Tech: Sept. 18, 1976 (Pitt 42, Ga. Tech 14)
Current Series Streak: Pitt has won 2 (1974; 1976)
Longest Pitt Series Win Streak: 3 games (1918-20)
Longest Georgia Tech Series Win Streak: 2 games (1955-56 Sugar Bowl; 1956 Gator Bowl)
Largest Pitt Victory Margin: 32 points (32-0, 1918)
Largest Georgia Tech Victory Margin: 7 points (twice)
Keys for Pitt:
1. Stop the Option: For the second consecutive week the Panthers will get a look at the triple option and for the second consecutive week Pitt will face a prolific rushing team. Georgia Tech averages an ACC-leading 315.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth nationally. Last week, Paul Johnson’s former school had success sustaining drives, to win the Panthers must find a way to get off the field.
2. Score touchdowns: Pitt had some success early last week, but wasted opportunities on long drives settling for field goal attempts. It’s as simple as punching the ball into the end zone for the Panthers.
3. Run the football: Isaac Bennett had a monster game two weeks ago against Old Dominion and got off to a good start last week against Navy. However he didn’t get many touches in the second half as the Panthers offense slowed. It’s nice for quarterback Tom Savage to get the ball to weapons like Devin Street and Tyler Boyd, but to have a chance to win the Pitt defense can’t be on the field all game. That means running the football. Whether it be Bennett or James Connor, the Panthers must be able to move the chains.
Keys for Georgia Tech
1. Stop the Run: The Yellow Jackets have one of the country’s stingiest defensive units. Georgia Tech ranks 17th nationally (third in the ACC) in fewest yards per game (342.3 avg.). The Yellow Jackets give up just 117 yards on the ground (second in the ACC and 18th in the country). The Panthers are looking to kick-start their running game, which averages 140.7 yards per contest. Whoever wins this battle likely comes out on top.
2. Get Pressure on Savage: Pitt has had pass-protection issues, which is encouraging for Tech as the Jackets need to do something to upset the rhythm of Pittsburgh’s passing game. If they get picked apart by Savage and his superb pair of receivers it could be a very long day. Savage can be mistake prone when under pressure. If the Jackets get to him early and often things will be tough for the Panthers.
3. Block Aaron Donald: Whether it’s running away from him or double teaming him or using him as the read key in the option, Georgia Tech needs to find a way to limit the damage that the likely All-America defensive tackle can cause. That is easier said than done as Donald is tough to move off his point in the run and even tougher to slow down in pass protection. Donald is the type of impact player that can make a game changing play for the Panthers.
Prediction: This Pitt team is a hard one to figure out. That being said I like their chances of pulling off a mild upset on the road. While not the same rushing attack, Pitt pretty much got a trial run at defending the Georgia Tech option last week. They should be somewhat familiar with it and the offense should make just enough plays to win. A defensive or special team’s score will be the difference. Pitt 28, Georgia Tech 27
Photo Credit: Getty Images
