3 bold Pittsburgh football predictions for 2022 season
As the official start of the college football season approaches, one big question is whether or not Pitt football can repeat as ACC champions. They lost a star QB, but who steps up now? Let’s make some Pitt football predictions for the 2022 college football season.
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As the official start of the college football season approaches, one big question is whether or not Pitt football can repeat as ACC champions. They lost a star QB, but who steps up now? Let’s make some Pitt football predictions for the 2022 college football season.
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The Pitt Panthers won their first ACC championship in 2021 since joining the conference in 2013. It was also their first conference championship since 2010 and their first ten-win season in 40 years. Without All-American quarterback Kenny Pickett and Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison in 2022, however, head coach Pat Narduzzi will have his work cut out for him.
Moving forward, however, with newly appointed offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., the Panthers coaching staff is trying to prioritize the rushing game. Still, they have also stated that Pitt football is looking for a more balanced attack after leading the ACC in passing yards last year.
Coach Narduzzi revealed during fall camp that he expects a Panther running back to surpass 1,000 yards this season. That’s something the program has not accomplished since 2018 when Qadree Wilson and Darren Hall both reached the mark. Narduzzi is certainly hoping anyone among Israel Abanikanda, Rodney Hammond, or Vincent Davis could emerge as a star rusher.
Of course, much also depends on their play under center and their vaunted defense.
In that vein, let’s take a look at some bold Pitt football predictions for 2022.
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Pitt Football 2022 Predictions
3. Pitt’s D-Line will terrorize opponents
Pitt football’s defense is awesome. With mobile behemoths manning the defensive line, the Panthers’ pass rush will be dominating. Their secondary might give up a gazillion yards as the corners will be left on their own, but everything should still work out just okay. This defense is hinged on their pass rush, and that aspect of their game should still remain stout.
The defensive line will be a menace once again after ranking second in the country in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss last season. They will absolutely terrorize their opponents.
Habakkuk Baldonado and Calijah Kancey should lead this team. Last year, Second-Team All-ACC end Baldonado had nine sacks, while First-Team All-ACC tackle Kancey had seven sacks. Those two combined for 25 tackles for loss, and everyone else up front will feed off them.