PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan)- The Pitt Panthers are coming off a 23-20 win over a ranked Louisville team that resulted in slipping down the top 25 rankings because of more teams being added to the field.
Meanwhile, NC State, Pitt's opponent at Heinz Field at noon on Saturday, is coming off a loss to Virginia Tech in which it allowed six sacks and over 300 rushing yards.
Pitt football color analyst Pat Bostick joined The Fan Morning Show Friday to preview this matchup and said that it's not too much to ask Pitt to win this game with ease.
"You look at what happened with Virginia Tech last week, if you want to be in that echelon and compete with them and Miami, obviously Notre Dame as well, to play Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, you've got to handle games like this.
Their defense has carried the load and really they've balled out. But I think tomorrow is a huge opportunity for this Pitt offense to put four quarters together. They're 3rd in the league (ACC) in 1st downs achieved and 11th in redzone offense. They need to finish drives and score touchdowns. If they're able to do that, I'm confident they can go out and get a win. But saying it is one thing, doing it is another."
Bostick also outlined what this game is really about for the Panthers and the added motivation they have for taking care of business.
"Things don't get easier. NC State this week and, I think, a good Boston College team next week. But you look after that and it kind of becomes murderer's row. So you better get them while you can and that's important not only to stack the win column but also to get confidence.
I think that's what this is more about than anything tomorrow for this team. They want to win convincingly because they want to have confidence. They have a chip on their shoulder, too. Sliding down in the rankings, obviously teams were thrown back in the rankings that haven't played or won't play for a few weeks...I think they have something to prove.
As long as they maintain that mindset, I think you'll achieve those W's. They have all the ability."
Bostick said this team will go as far as senior QB Kenny Pickett takes it, but the running game will have an opportunity to find itself this week and that running back by committee system back there is starting to look a little clearer.
"I think Vincent Davis has put himself in that position to get the first crack at things. The one thing he does that has separated him from Israel Abanikanda, who I think this is the future at that position and showed some really good signs against Louisville, is pass protection.
For a little guy, I mean you watch the film and he is not afraid to stick his nose in there and block 250 pound, stand-up outside linebackers. That's really what Mark Whipple and Kenny Pickett are comfortable with is that Vincent can be an every down back. So can AJ [Davis].
That's where Abanikanda has got to learn. He's got to get in there and sure up his pass protection because if he does that, he's my wild card. He's a guy that I think Weeks 7,8,9…you're looking at a star emerging. I think he has that kind of ability."
Kickoff is noon at Heinz Field Saturday. You can listen to it on 93.7 The Fan, along with full pregame and postgame coverage.
