Know Your Notre Dame Football Enemy: The Pittsburgh Panthers
By J.P. Scott
The Notre Dame football team will host the Pitt Panthers in a mid-October battle. Here’s what you need to know.
We are taking a look at all 12 teams on the 2018 Notre Dame football schedule with the intent of familiarizing you with what the Irish are up against.
Next up: The Pittsburgh Panthers
2017 Synopsis
Pat Narduzzi’s Pitt squad finished the 2017 campaign with a record of 5-7. The highlight of their season came in the final game with a 24-14 win over the Miami Hurricanes — the same team that blew out the Irish just two weeks prior.
Who did they lose?
The biggest loss on the offensive side of the ball was two-time All-ACC offensive tackle Brian O’Neill. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. They also lost leading receiver Jester Weah, who caught 41 passes for 698 yards and four touchdowns.
On defense, the loss of cornerback Avonte Maddox is going to hurt. He was key to the win over Miami last season and arguably Pitt’s best defender. They also lost safety Jordan Whitehead. Both players were selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Who do they return?
Offensive tackle Alex Bookser returns to lead a relatively inexperienced unit. He was an All-ACC honorable mention selection last season.
Under center, it looks like Kenny Pickett will be the guy. He stepped in as a freshman against the Miami Hurricanes and was the offensive catalyst to that win. Behind him in the backfield will be the two leading rushers from last season — Darrin Hall and Qadree Ollison.
Rafael Araujo-Lopes is their top returning receiver. He hauled in 43 balls for 531 yards and two scores a season ago.
On defense, Pitt returns seven starters, including pass-rushing specialist Dewayne Hendrix. They return a trio of solid linebackers led by Saleem Brightwell. That should be the best unit for new defensive coordinator Randy Bates, who was previously at Northwestern.
Why should Notre Dame be worried?
Kenny Pickett looks like a gamer, and he’s a solid choice to be the breakout player of the year in the ACC. Not only can he make all the throws, but he runs angry when he tucks it. His attitude and playing style can become the identity of this Pitt team. That will make them a handful every week.
Defensively, Pitt’s front seven has the potential on paper to be very good. Pat Narduzzi cut his teeth on defense as the architect of some very good units at Michigan State. You know he has big plans for the talent his team has on that side of the ball.
Why should Notre Dame not be worried?
The Pitt Panther offensive line was average last season and we have no reason to believe that will change. Notre Dame shouldn’t have much trouble getting penetration on a consistent basis and disrupting the young signal-caller. The Irish are more talented on the back seven and should be able to hold their own against an average corps of skill players.
Next: Know Your Enemy: Virginia Tech
When the Irish have the ball, they should have the advantage in the passing game with a group of large, dynamic pass-catchers against a secondary with a lot of question marks. Brandon Wimbush’s mobility will only complicate things for the Panther defense.