PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pitt hasn’t played Tennessee since 1983 and the only thing similar between the schools is Johnny Majors is beloved at both. There is, however, a familiar feel between the teams.
New Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel brought an unbeaten Central Florida squad to Heinz Field September of 2019 after rolling over Pitt the previous year at home.
“Having two games with them, gives us a little bit of an advantage, gives them an advantage as well because they know who we are both sides of the ball,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “They saw ‘Pitt Special’ (in 2019). They'll be ready for the Pitt Special.”
The Pitt Special was the game-deciding pass from receiver Aaron Mathews to quarterback Kenny Pickett on a fourth down call from the four-yard line with 59 seconds left giving the Panthers the upset win.
Likely won’t see that play Saturday in Knoxville, but you will see an up-tempo offense.
Narduzzi said the Volunteers offense looked similar to when they last saw Heupel, but knows they will have some tweaks. One note that is different, Pitt’s coaching staff is expecting the ball snapped every 11 seconds. Tennessee got 88 plays off against Bowling Green.
“They are a very fast tempo offense,” said Pitt defensive coordinator Randy Bates. “You really don’t know how fast it really is until you are in the game. The biggest challenge is the young guys just can’t visualize what they are getting into. We do our best to explain it and then they have to go out and live it.”
“Just continue to emphasize the little things,” said Panthers safety Erick Hallett. “Details, getting lined up, communication and staying consistent in what we do.”
Senior linebacker Phil Campbell says he knows they will have to rotate a lot. He says the younger players are on board, especially in the linebacker room. He says they know the challenge.
Those new to college football probably haven’t faced a quarterback like Joe Milton. The 6’5”, 244-pound transfer from Michigan was 11-23 for 139 yards, also rushing for 44 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win over BG. They also had two running backs go over 100 yards. That’s with Heupel getting only one recruiting class and not having the ideal personnel to fit his system.
If there is an immediate difference between Heupel’s teams at UCF and Tennessee. The size of the offensive line. From left to right the Vols go 335, 318, 295, 320 and 325 pounds.
Pitt coaches are leaning on their scout team defense, not only to show them tempo. Also to give them a feel for the size they will face.
“We get it from our offense,” Bates said. “It’s something that we have seen before. It’s just a matter of being precise with your calls. Fortunately it’s not the first game of the year.”
Bates says Heupel is one of the best offensive minds in the game and every time they face his teams’ it’s a challenge. He expects Saturday to be no different.
“I look at their offense similar to a wish-bone offense,” Bates said. “You got to get them off schedule. If they are on schedule they are just like wish-bone team. It’s hard to stop them. It’s like a roaring river running down the hill. You can’t stop it.”
“I think we are well prepared.”
“We'll be ready for the tempo,” Narduzzi said. “I think it's going to be a heck of a game.”