The Pittsburgh Panthers will face the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
The Pittsburgh Panthers will face the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
The Hurricanes are coming off a blowout loss to the #1 Clemson Tigers 42-17 and will look to bounce back against a Pittsburgh team who has suffered two consecutive losses to NC State and Boston College.
Can Pittsburgh upset Miami at home? Tune in and find out, here is everything you need to know, how to stream the game.
Prediction: I like Pittsburgh in this spot against Miami. We all know Miami can put up points, but they really struggled against Clemson last week. I’ll take the Panthers and the points in this one.
Bet: Pittsburgh Panthers +13.5
NCAA Football Odds and Betting Lines
NCAA Football odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 10:50 a.m. ET.
Pitt Panthers vs. Miami Hurricanes (-13.5)
O/U: 47.5
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Notre Dame has long had trouble against Pitt. Now that October 24 trip to Heinz Field is only looking tougher as the season goes on.
If you look at Notre Dame’s most difficult regular season games in what wound up being the two most successful seasons under Brian Kelly, the Pitt Panthers have provided two of those.
In 2012 it took a stunning Notre Dame comeback just to force overtime before missed chip shot of a field by Pitt helped the Irish to their eventual victory.
In 2018 it was an upstart Pitt team that again came to South Bend and led the unbeaten Irish before a late rally kept the Notre Dame dreams of a College Football Playoff appearance alive.
Everyone in and around Notre Dame has circled November 7 against Clemson as the game of the year and understandably so, but three weeks into the season the trip to Pitt isn’t looking like it won’t come against a mediocre Panthers squad but instead a pretty good one.
The Panthers improved to 3-0 on the year Saturday as they handed Louisville their second straight loss, 23-20.
Pitt held Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham to just 9/21 passing for 107 yards and one touchdown while also forcing three interceptions.
The Pitt defense didn’t just handle the passing game though as the Cardinals gained just 116 yards on the ground and picked up only 10 first downs all afternoon.
Pat Narduzzi hasn’t put together a big season at Pitt yet and tough games at Miami, against Notre Dame and at Clemson are still ahead of them but despite having their best defensive player in lineman Jaylen Twymen opting out before the season, the Pitt defense has still been mighty impressive.
When October 24 gets here it’s not going to be the trap game some thought it’d be before the season, it’s going to instead be a road game against an incredibly capable foe.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Pitt defensive line prospect Jaylen Twyman
If your favorite NFL team is looking for a defensive line prospect who can do it all, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and blowing up running backs in the backfield, Pitt’s Jaylen Twyman is their man in the 2021 NFL Draft.
One of the most versatile and disruptive defensive line prospects in next year’s draft class, Twyman recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season, which NFL players he likes to model his game after, and what’s next as he looks ahead to the draft.
JM: What can you tell me about your decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft?
JT: My decision came down to financials. My family needs me. My mom, my dad and my brother, they need me. I had some family matters that I can’t get into. I had to put my family first. That was the reason why I opted out.
JM: What’s the biggest challenge you expect to encounter with having so much time to prepare for the draft? Under normal circumstances, you’d still be playing competitive football right now.
JT: I honestly feel like I have a big advantage. I’m going to take this time to rest my body. I’m saving my body from extra punishment. I’m constantly in the gym working on my body. I’m getting stronger right now. I’m taking advantage of these months.
I’m working with my trainer and mentor, Sean Washington. He’s training me right now. I’m getting better every day. I’m literally at his gym right now. I’m taking advantage of this extra time to rest my body and improve my game. I’m not just sitting around. I’m down here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, putting some work in. I’m getting better mentally as well.
Yeah, I’m missing the opportunity to play live football right now. I’m not out there chasing quarterbacks down, but I am working with coach Chuck Smith on my pass rushing ability. He’s another mentor of mine. Coach Rodney Williams is working with me, as well. I have so many good people in my corner right now. These are experienced coaches with proven track records. They’re keeping me right and making sure I get in the best shape of my life.
Whenever I put the pads on again, I’ll be ready to go.
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What were some areas of your game that you were hoping to showcase on the field this season?
JT: Getting after the quarterback. I just wanted to show how complete my game is. I was speaking to a D-line coach the other day, and they asked me what I thought my best game was. They thought I was gonna talk about this one game where I had 3 sacks.
Instead, I talked about a game where I forced a fumble and made a couple of big plays in the run game. I just wanna show people that I’m a complete football player. That’s one of the things I’m focusing on. It’s not always about the sacks or the stats. That’s most of it, but I’m focused on being a good technical player.
JM: Speaking of stats, 2019 was your best season yet. You started 13 games, recording 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Did you expect to put up those eye-popping numbers?
JT: A lot of people ask me that. I don’t set goals. That’s not something I do. I just put in the work. I don’t set goals like that.
If you’re a bank robber, you don’t go into the bank trying to get a certain amount of money. You want all of the money. Isn’t that funny? I just work and whatever comes of it, that’s what it’s gonna be.
JM: What do you think led to such drastic improvement?
JT: Investing in my trainer, Sean Washington, definitely played a big role. He pushes me to my maximum. He’s the reason I’ve gotten way stronger as of late. My pass rush coach, Chuck Smith, definitely played a huge role as well. Coach Smith has helped become a pass rusher. He worked on my hips and what not. He saw my ability to flip my hips and took that part of my game to another level.
I went home and did a lot of foot activation and balance stuff with my football coach, Rodney Williams. They all taught me so much. I have a whole team behind me. They started pushing me harder.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What’s your favorite part of playing defensive tackle?
JT: I enjoy the one-on-one opportunities with the offensive guard. When the center slides away from me and I have the guard on an island, I could see him lowering his pads and I know it’s a passing play, I love getting that one-on-one.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
JT: I’m gonna stay humble. I just like to let my actions speak louder than my words. I’m getting better right now. I’m constantly working.
JM: Do you feel like you have a go-to move, or are you still working on that?
JT: I walk around with a toolbox. I can reach into my bag and pull out a move. I have a flathead in there, a screwdriver, a wrench. Call me Bob the Builder (laughs).
JM: Do you feel like you’re more developed in the run game or as a pass rusher right now?
JT: I’m definitely a better pass rusher right now. I’d be lying to you if I said that I’m a better run stopper. I’m a pass rusher first and foremost. I’m gonna get after that quarterback. I’m coming on third down. I treat every play like it’s third down.
That’s another thing. I told you earlier that I’m trying to become a complete football player. Aaron Donald can stop the run, as well. Everybody knows he gets after the quarterback, but he can stop the run, too. That’s what I’m trying to be like. I want to do both, but I’ll always be known as a pass rusher first.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What was the biggest lesson you learned throughout your time at Pitt?
JT: My time there taught me to stay humble. I was red-shirted as soon as I arrived. I had to earn everything. Nothing was given to me. I have to thank the coaching staff. They installed that mindset in me. I already had that mindset, but I continue to work my butt off.
That’s how I was preparing for this coming season. It was the same way. I was treating it like I was a true freshmen that just got here.
JM: What’s the culture like in that locker room?
JT: We’re the best. That’s how we feel. We walk around with our heads held high. Our attitude remains the same win or lose. We’re the best. We think we’re going to win every game. That starts with players like Jimmy Morrissey and Damar Hamlin.
JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one of those teammates with you, who would you bring and why?
JT: I’m bringing two with me (laughs). I gotta bring two with me, I can’t just bring one. I’ll give you two names. Cam Bright and Paris Ford. Ford is a loose screw, but he has a smart mind (laughs). Bright is so strong and fast.
JM: How close is that Pittsburgh program to becoming a legit top 5-10 program in the nation?
JT: We’ll see how this season goes. They had a great start so far. They have some big games coming up. I’m confident. A couple of guys opted out, but they’re not missing a beat. That’s the type of atmosphere we installed there. We believe in each other. It doesn’t matter who’s down or up.
Last season, we lost Keyshon Camp and Rashad Weaver. We didn’t miss a beat. A couple of guys stepped up. We got better every day. That tells you a lot about how great the coaching staff is over there. It starts with them.
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
JM: Are there any pass rushers that you particularly enjoy watching tape on?
JT: You know I have to go with Aaron Donald. I love to watch him. I like to watch Joey and Nick Bosa, as well. They have so many moves in their toolbox. I love to use some of their moves. I watch them a lot. I’ve started watching some Kenny Clark recently. I like all D-linemen. Donald, Clark, Grady Jarrett and the Bosa brothers are the ones I spend the most time watching, though.
JM: Who would you say is the best player you’ve ever played against?
JT: Sam Howell. He’s the quarterback for North Carolina. He’s definitely the best player I’ve ever played against. He’s such a great player.
JM: The next big event in your football career will be the NFL Scouting Combine. Are there any drills that you’re looking forward to the most?
JT: I’m training for everything right now. I’m not just worried about the bench press or the 40-yard dash for example. I’m getting ready for all of the drills. I’m doing a lot of strength training as of right now. I’m getting stronger and working on my hamstrings. I’m getting more explosive.
I’ll start moving to the on-field work shortly. I’ll be getting with Chuck Smith and working on that. I’ll be going through the on-field combine drills shortly. I’m just focusing on my strength and explosiveness right now.
JM: What’s up next for you?
JT: We shall see. I’m just getting ready for the combine. That’s up next for me as of now, the combine. That’s my main focus right now. I’m spending time with my family. It’s all about family and the combine.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner surprised his mom on July 4 with an incredible gift, a new house.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has made his parents proud in many ways. And they have helped make Conner the person he is.
Conner surprised his mother with an amazing gift on the Fourth of July, showing her the new house he bought for her.
Welcome HOME Ma! You’ve sacrificed so much and we can’t thank you enough! You’re the reason I go to work day in and day out, to finally give you a place you can call Home. I Love you❤️🏡💪🏽💯🙏🏽
Welcome HOME Ma! You’ve sacrificed so much and we can’t thank you enough! You’re the reason I go to work day in and day out, to finally give you a place you can call Home. I Love you❤️🏡💪🏽💯🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/c25KyOphAo
This isn’t the first time the former Pitt Panther star has come up big for a parent. In June, he brought all sorts of emotions out of his dad when he showed him the new truck he bought for his father.
We’re just over 11 weeks until Notre Dame football returns. Don’t miss today’s memory as we count down the days to Irish football!
Just over 11 weeks from now we’ll have Notre Dame and Navy returning to the football field to start their 2020 college football seasons. Until then we’ll be counting the days by sharing memories of players, coaches and games that helped shape Notre Dame’s football legacy.
Today, by chance I swear and not on purpose, another Notre Dame vs. Pitt memory gets remembered.
79: Yards of Jonas Gray’s touchdown run at Pitt in 2011
2011 saw a frustrating start for Notre Dame as they gave away their first two games against South Florida and at Michigan. After finally getting in the win column against Michigan State in Week Three they traveled to Pitt to try and get to .500 against the Panthers.
Trailing 3-0 in the second quarter, Jonas Gray, who wasn’t necessarilyknown for his wheels, outran the entire Pitt defense for a go-ahead score.
Gray would finish with just two more touches as he totaled 84 rushing yards on the day. Notre Dame would get a late score on a pass from Tommy Rees to Tyler Eiftert that put them ahead 15-12, the eventual final score, getting them to 2-2 on the season.
No one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.
5. College Football News Preview 2020: Pitt Panthers Offense 3 Things To Know
– Thank you, defense. Pitt scored the fewest points per game since the 1996 team that went 4-7, and yet it tied for the most games won in a season since 2009.
Under offensive coordinator Mark Whipple – the former UMass head coach – the offense didn’t have the same rushing spark of previous seasons, the passing game stalled a bit too often, and scoring was like pulling teeth at times – the team failed to score more than 35 in any game and scored more than 20 just three times.
But the change to more of a passing game did work – the air attack was better.
The blocking wasn’t a total disaster, but it wasn’t all that great. That might change this year with a veteran unit that could be sneaky good with all five starters expected back around all-star center Jimmy Morrissey and guard Bryce Hargrove.
CFN in 60 Video: Pitt Panthers Preview
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– Kenny Pickett only seems like he has been around since the Johnny Majors – sky point – era. The senior quarterback has been fine, and he threw for a lot of yards – close to 3,100 – but he only threw 13 touchdown passes with nine picks, while not doing all that much for the running game. However, he can get hot, throwing for over 300 yards five times including in three of the last four games.
He’s still the guy, but sophomore Nick Patti is a decent backup who could push for work, and Arizona State transfer Joey Yellen is coming in – even though he’s most likely in the mix for the 2021 starting job.
Leading receiver Maurice Ffrench is done, but senior Taysir Mack is a solid veteran who can be the new No. 1 guy, and there’s enough talent coming back to be okay. The addition of Florida transfer tight end Lucas Krull could be a huge help to fill the hole.
– The running game went from ripping off 3,191 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2018 to 1,544 yards and 11 scores last year. V’Lique Carter transferred out, but the top three running backs return, starting with senior AJ Davis coming off a 530-yard, four score season. He’s the 215-pound pounder, while 5-8, 175-pound sophomore Vincent Davis provides a little more splash after leading the team with five rushing scores.
NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Pitt Panthers Defense 3 Things To Know
College football hall of fame player and national champion coach Johnny Majors has died at 85 years old. Learn more about Majors here.
College Football Hall of Famer Johnny Majors has died at the age of 85. Majors was a legendary tailback at Tennessee before a coaching career that led him to Iowa State and Pitt before eventually ending up coaching at Tennessee.
Majors was a Tennessee football legend, twice winning the SEC Player of the Year Award and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Paul Hornung of Notre Dame in 1956.
After a brief stint in the Canadian Football League, Majors got into coaching as a graduate assistant at Tennessee before stops as an assistant at Mississippi State and Arkansas.
In 1968 he earned his first head coaching job at Iowa State where he went 24-30-1 in five seasons, earning bowl berths in his last two years there.
He took the Pitt job in 1973 and led them to three bowl games in four years, culminating in a national championship after a 12-0 season in 1976.
Majors then returned to Tennessee where he coached the Volunteers from 1977 to 1992, going 116-62-8 along the way and winning three SEC Championships as well as a pair of Sugar Bowl wins and a Cotton Bowl victory as well. After being forced to step down in 1992, Majors
Majors returned to Pitt from 1993 through 1996 but failed to find the same success, going just 12-32 in his second stint with the Panthers.
In terms of a Notre Dame connection, Majors wasn’t just the first runner-up in Hornung’s Heisman season but also coached against the Irish nine different times, going 2-3 in his two stints with Pitt and 2-2 during his time at Tennessee.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Pittsburgh cornerback Dane Jackson
Today’s NFL requires cornerbacks that possess unshakable confidence, a short memory, and the ball skills to take full advantage when opposing quarterbacks make the mistake of challenging them.
One player who checks all of those boxes in the 2020 NFL draft class? Pitt’s Dane Jackson.
Jackson recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, which receivers were the toughest to face throughout his college career, and what kind of impact he’s going to make at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the Senior Bowl?
DJ: It was a great experience. It was fun to be around some of the best players in all of college football. This a very strong senior class in my opinion. I enjoyed competing against them all week long. I can’t complain about the experience. It was great.
JM: I imagine that you went out there with the thought of achieving something or proving something. Do you feel like you were successful?
DJ: I just wanted to prove that I could play at the highest level. I went out there and competed against the man across from me. We had some of the best receivers in college football out there. That’s what playing cornerback is all about. You have to go out there on a snap-by-snap basis and compete with the guy across from you. I went out there and laid it all on the line. I never let up.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
JM: You had 12 pass break-ups during the 2019 season. What is it about your game that allows you to be around the ball so often?
DJ: It’s all about me being aggressive. I just have a good feel for when the ball is in the air. I’m able to get my hands in there and break up the pass. As a cornerback, my job is to not allow the receiver to catch the ball. It’s that simple.
JM: Do you have a preference regarding what coverage scheme you’re mainly utilized in at the next level?
DJ: The primary coverage I played in throughout my entire five years at Pittsburgh was press man. That’s what I’m most accustomed to. I’m not necessarily saying that I prefer that, but that’s probably what I’m most comfortable in.
JM: If you’re headed into the NFL with most of your experience at one form of coverage, press man is the one. You can’t survive in this league if you can’t play man.
DJ: Right, I fully agree with that (laughs). I think my experience in press man is going to serve me well going forward.
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Who are some of the best receivers you’ve ever covered throughout your time at Pittsburgh?
DJ: I would have to say Gabriel Davis from UCF. He’s in this draft class as well. I’d have to point to my former teammate at Pittsburgh, Tyler Boyd. He’s with the Cincinnati Bengals now and he’s been very successful. I was just a freshmen but he was super tough to go up against in practice. Dyami Brown from North Carolina was tough.
JM: The NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. Are you looking forward to any drills in particular?
DJ: I wouldn’t point out anything in particular. I’m trying to go out there and be the best version of myself in every drill I compete in. I plan on going out there and leaving it all out there. I’m trying to compete.
JM: What are three traits a successful cornerback must possess in your opinion?
DJ: You need to have a short memory if you’re gonna play this position at a high level. A receiver is gonna make a play from time-to-time. You do everything in your power to stop that from happening but that’s how the game goes. There’s a lot of great receivers out there and you’re gonna have to play against them. I also feel that you have to be aggressive and you have to be a ball-hawk. Those traits would be number two and three for me.
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What’s the best lesson any coach ever taught you?
DJ: I think the best lesson I was ever taught at Pittsburgh was that it’s never about what you’ve done in the past. You have to live and play in the present. That’s what’s gonna get you where you need to go.
JM: How do you cover a bigger receiver differently than you would a smaller, shiftier guy?
DJ: You have to get your hands on them as quickly as possible. Some of those bigger guys like to push off and be physical with you. You need to get your hands on them and control their movements.
JM: What kind of impact is Dane Jackson gonna make at the next level?
DJ: I’m an aggressive corner. I’m a winner and I’m not afraid to tackle. I love coming up in the run game and making a tackle. I don’t shy away from contact. Whichever team drafts me is adding a very hard worker to their franchise.
