2017 ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings week 5
Texas on my Mind
The Lone Star state was definitely on the minds of the Pittsburgh Panthers as they crushed the Rice Owls, who hail from Houston to the tune of 42-10.
Not only did the Panthers end a three-game losing streak with their second home win of the season but they also notched their first FBS win by beating the Owls.
It was their first dominant win, as they previously needed overtime to hold off the Penguins of Youngstown State.
The game was also a breakout for Max Browne since transferring to Pittsburgh. The former USC quarterback, who got the nod over Ben Dinucci, went 28-of-32 for 410 yards and four touchdowns against Rice.
Browne was a combined 53-of-81 for 426 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his previous three games. It was definitely a positive sign for Browne, as well as Pat Narduzzi who decided to switch back to the embattled signal caller.
The Panthers also got a solid game from their defense which held the Owls to 277 total yards and forcing three turnovers and recording three sacks. Rice finished with only 14 first downs and went 4-for-13 on third downs.
The biggest disappointment for the Panthers came in the running game where they were held to just 69 yards on 33 carries against a defense that ranks 53rd against the run.
Pittsburgh may wish they had another team from Texas on their slate as the season gets tougher in conference play. Next up is a Syracuse squad that played LSU and NC State tough in its past two losses.
If I had to pick a song for the Cavaliers, who were on a bye this past week, it would’ve been “Don’t Break My Heart Again.”
Things are starting to look good at Virginia under Bronco Mendenhall, but that was also the case under Al Groh and Mike London before things started to fall apart.
Cavaliers’ fans will hope things keep going strong this week as they get ready to play Duke in their first conference game of the season.
The Cavs have won the past two meetings and will be looking for the three-peat.