Predicting Pitt’s season, game-by-game:
Saturday vs. Virginia: The Cavaliers’ 3-4 defense is a tough matchup for a young offensive line in Week 1. Virginia 20, Pitt 13.
•••
Sept. 7 vs. Ohio: Another running QB gets in Pitt’s way, but Panthers find a way to slow down Nathan Rourke. Pitt 28, Ohio 14.
•••
Sept. 14 at Penn State: The last game in the series (forever?) will be closer than the past two (84-20, PSU). Penn State 24, Pitt 17
•••
Sept. 21 vs. UCF: With QB McKenzie Milton injured, Pitt gets down to the business of saving its season. Pitt 31, UCF 28
•••
Sept. 28 vs. Delaware: Panthers won only previous matchup, 62-0, but the Blue Hens are one of the FCS’ best teams. Pitt 38, Delaware 13
•••
Oct. 5 at Duke: Pitt is averaging 45.1 points against Duke in ACC play and is 5-1 in those games. A must win. Pitt 33, Duke 21
•••
Oct. 18 at Syracuse: Dino Babers’ team is for real and will be 6-1 coming out of this game at Carrier Dome. Syracuse 35, Pitt 24
•••
Oct. 26 vs. Miami: The U has won six of its past seven games in Pittsburgh, and it remembers the one loss. Miami 27, Pitt 21
•••
Nov. 2 at Georgia Tech: Pitt coaches breathe a sigh of relief now that they don’t have to prepare for triple option. Pitt 41, Georgia Tech 17
•••
Nov. 14 vs. North Carolina: Unexplainable stat: Pitt is 0-6 vs. Tar Heels in ACC and margin of defeat averages 4.3 points. Pitt 35, North Carolina 22
•••
Nov. 23 at Virginia Tech: Hokies aren’t getting a ton of preseason respect, but they’re tough to beat in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech 17, Pitt 16.
•••
Nov. 30 vs. Boston College: Plenty on the line for 6-5 Pitt entering this game. Panthers are up to task. Pitt 24, Boston College 20.
