virginia tech-Pitt preview

Chris Hirons

November 21, 2020

A 6-2 Virginia Tech team should be taking the field against Pitt (4-4) an hour before the sun sets over the yellowed Roberto Clemente Bridge that hovers over the Allegheny River. As we know, this season hasn’t gone as planned for the Hokies.

Two straight late losses against Liberty and Miami sent the Hokies into a free fall. A walk-off blocked field goal against Liberty was quickly negated because head coach Justin Fuente felt the need to ice Liberty’s kicker Alex Barbir on a 59-yard field goal try. Barbir’s career-long before converting the eventual 51-yard game winner two plays later?

38 yards.

A week later, coverage broke down in the secondary midway through the fourth quarter as Miami quarterback D’Eriq King found a receiver wide open for the go-ahead touchdown. The offense, with two shots to take the lead back after Miami scored its go-ahead touchdown, faltered after quarterback Hendon Hooker seemingly forgot how to drop back in the pocket and throw a football.

On Saturday, the 4-4 Hokies and the coaching staff will trudge into Heinz Field after losing in-state 2021 three-star commitment Shawn Ashby announced that he would decommit and flip to Boston College.

There hasn’t been much to cheer for in recent weeks. Fans have questioned Fuente’s leadership and recruiting abilities, while continuing to question offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen’s ability to call plays effectively — especially since third-and-medium around the opposing 35-yard-line has wounded the Hokies all season long.

Like their opponent, Pitt’s fallen off in recent weeks after a 3-0 start and climbing to No. 24 in the AP poll after narrowing out Louisville early in the season. Since, the Panthers have struggled to close out games. Two close, late losses to NC State and Boston College, plus a forgettable loss to Miami and an annihilating 45-3 loss against Notre Dame slapped Pitt in the face with reality.

Pitt’s only win since then? A resounding 41-17 victory over a rebuilding Florida State team two weeks ago.

A rise of covid cases in Pitt’s program postponed a matchup against Georgia Tech last week. It was originally reported yesterday that Virginia Tech will take a field wearing molded masks that can be taken off during play due to Pennsylvania's recent state-wide mandates from the governor’s office, though Pitt announced that “face coverings will not be required to be pulled up while in the midst of play.”

Pitt’s key to the game: Stopping the run

The Panthers’ defensive line could probably push a semi-truck. Yes, it’s that strong and good.

Against Florida State, Pitt pushed through the Seminoles’ offensive line and sacked the quarterback seven times. The Panthers lead the nation with 38 sacks on the season. Now, it has to stop the run against Virginia Tech’s top-flight offensive line.

The run defense hasn’t allowed 150 yards on the ground in a game so far, and the Hokies are 0-4 this year when they don’t run for at least 283 yards.

And then, to top it off, there’s the Virginia Tech "Can’t Close" problem.

Virginia Tech’s key to the game: Keep an uptempo offense

Earlier this season, the Hokies’ offense was upbeat and scored a lot, especially early on. See: NC State, Duke, Boston College and Louisville. Even against UNC, VT kept up with Sam Howell’s offense to keep the game close heading into the fourth quarter.

Pitt, on the other hand, can’t keep up in shootouts. To put it simply, Pitt has one of the least explosive offenses in the ACC. The Panthers’ rushing attack finally picked up more than 100 yards in a game for the first time in five tries against Florida State.

If Khalil Herbert and Hendon Hooker can find running lanes and if the offense can turn in 200 rushing yards, then expect Virginia Tech to come out on top. However, if the Hokies have trouble finding room to run the ball, then it could be a long day for the Hokie faithful in Pittsburgh.

Score Prediction: Pitt 34, Virginia Tech 27.