ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings Preseason
Workin for a Livin
Game versus North Carolina: Lost 37-36
Returning Starters: 10 (6 on Offense, 4 on Defense)
Lowdown: In his second season as head coach, Narduzzi led the Steel City team to a second straight second place Coastal finish. Narduzzi brought his hard nose defense from Michigan State to a town known for embracing a blue collar attitude.
Pittsburgh will play two teams ranked in my top 10 in the first three weeks of the season, but will open against Youngstown State to start the season.
Strengths: All purpose yards. Mainly this is referring to the return of do it all receiver Quadree Henderson. With questions at other areas on offense, it will be key that the Panthers find ways to get Henderson the ball in space.
Weaknesses: Defense. Pittsburgh returns the fewest number of defensive starters of all Coastal teams. No loss was bigger than Ejuan Price who finished sixth nationally in sacks.
If the Panthers are unable to compensate for these losses it will put more pressure on an offense looking for a new signal caller and tailback as well.
Best Case Scenario: USC transfer Max Browne is a prodigy under new offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. The defense continues to work hard for a living as Pittsburgh breaks out going 11-1 winning the Coastal for the first time since joining the ACC.
Worst Case Scenario: The Panthers just aren’t able to cover for so many holes on defense and questions on offense. The team can’t survive the opening gauntlet and finishes 3-9 for the season.