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The Virginia Cavaliers (1-3) kick off their ACC schedule with a trip to play the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-1). Check out the Pittsburgh vs. Virginia prediction and game preview.

Pittsburgh vs. Virginia Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 10
Venu: Heinz Field (Pittsburgh, PA)
Game Time: 12:30 ET
Network: ESPN3

Why You Need To Care

The ACC Coastal is there for the taking for the school that gets hot. By beating Virginia Tech in Blacksburg last Saturday, Pittsburgh dispatched notice that it plans on being a part of the race to Charlotte. The Panthers, which returns to Heinz Field for the first time in more than a month, have lost just once, a three-pointer on the road to No. 22 Iowa. It’s now-or-never for Virginia, which took Week 5 off. The Cavaliers took Week 4 off, too, bowing to Boise State in Charlottesville, 56-14.

Why Virginia Will Win

After more than two weeks, the Hoos are rested and recharged. And there’s a sense of urgency to turn things around before it’s too late. While defense is Virginia’s biggest concern, the site of a Pitt team averaging just 22 points versus FBS opponents won’t intimidate it. There’s still enough talent in that UVA secondary to keep the Panther passing game from getting on track.

Why Pittsburgh Will Win

After a sloppy showing in the opener, the defense is beginning to look like a unit developed by Pat Narduzzi. The Panthers are brimming with confidence after holding the Hokies to nine yards rushing, while notching 11 stops for loss, seven sacks and three interceptions. Everyone was in on the action, but DE Ejuan Price was especially disruptive.

Player Who Matters

Pitt’s next goal will be to get more from the passing game, because underutilizing star WR Tyler Boyd is a crime. Boyd is catching plenty of balls, but touchdowns and momentum-builders have been infrequent. RB Qadree Ollison has been an effective replacement for James Conner. Now it’s up to QB Nathan Peterman to bring a little more balance to the attack.

What’s Going To Happen?

Pittsburgh has bought into the new staff, and it’s showing on defense. The Panthers will build off of last week’s important victory in Blacksburg, sweeping the commonwealth behind the effort of Narduzzi’s D and a score apiece from Boyd and Ollison. Pitt is comprised of the kinds of hard-working, high-character players who won’t permit a letdown on Saturday.

Pittsburgh vs. Virginia Prediction

Final Score: Pittsburgh 28, Virginia 20, Line: Pittsburgh -10, o/u: 46.5
Must See Rating: 5: The Walk – 1: Pan … 2

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