Virginia Football Schedule Preview: Pittsburgh

2014FB_miami_london001b
Mike London’s team defeated PIttsburgh last season in Charlottesville. ~ Mike Ingalls

After a 6-7 season, which included a one-point bowl loss to Houston, Pittsburgh is resetting the program this season with a new coach. Paul Chryst left for Wisconsin and Pat Narduzzi took over the helm as a result. Narduzzi brings a sterling defensive record to town after an eight-year tenure as Michigan State’s defensive coordinator. The Spartans ranked in the top 10 in total defense from 2011-2014. Narduzzi inherits a young group at Pitt. The Panthers have only 11 seniors on this year’s roster. Can a new coach get this program out of its 6-6 rut? Pitt has finished with that record for four straight seasons.

Pittsburgh Peek

  • Head Coach (record at school): Pat Narduzzi (0-0)
  • 2014 Record: 6-7
  • Offense: Pro style, multiple
  • Offense 2014 Total Yards/Game (National ranking): 435.4 (43rd)
  • Offense 2014 Points/Game: 31.8 (46th – tie)
  • Defense: 4-3
  • Defense 2014 Total Yards/Game: 359.8 (34th)
  • Defense 2014 Points/Game: 26.3 (58th – tie)

What To Expect On Game Day

Offense: It’s probably safe to assume that new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and running back James Conner are going to get along just fine. Chaney is fresh off a stint as Arkansas’ offensive coordinator where he had two 1,000-yard rushers last season. Conner, meanwhile, posted a historic season a year ago as the ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Conner finished with 1,765 rushing yards, an ACC record for a sophomore. He also surpassed the legendary Tony Dorsett’s 38-year old season records by scoring 26 rushing touchdowns and 26 total touchdowns.

Conner isn’t the only offensive standout returning, though. Receiver Tyler Boyd is back after two strong seasons at Pitt. He has recorded 163 career catches and 2,435 receiving yards, both among the top 10 all-time for the Panthers. He’s gone for 100 yards 11 times in his career. Quarterback Chad Voytik also returns as the other part of that air connection. Voytik started as a sophomore last season and completed 61.3% of his passes (176 of 287). He finished with 2,233 yards, 16 touchdowns, and seven INTs. Voytik also had a pair of 100-yard rushing games.

Other experienced players on offense include tackle Adam Bisnowaty (18 career starts) and guard Dorian Johnson (16 career starts) as well as tight end J.P. Holtz (four touchdowns last season).

...