Pitt Football Gets Slammed in Latest Prediction

The Pitt Panthers received low win predictions this season, and one On3 writer thinks they'll do even worse than expected.

Nov 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi on the sidelines against the Boston College Eagles at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers didn't receive much praise from national media this offseason after finishing 3-9 last season and the low approval ratings continue from one particular critic.

Jesse Simonton of On3 looked at the FanDuel regular season totals for each ACC team and said that Pitt's 5.5 wins is, "Too High."

"Coming off a pitiful 3-9 season, the Panthers are looking to return to a bowl game this fall — but you have to squint to find six wins with this roster and schedule," Simonton wrote. "Pat Narduzzi brought in Western Carolina coordinator Kade Bell to infuse Pitt’s lifeless offense with some juice, but the quarterback options (Alabama transfer Eli Holstein and Nate Yarnell) aren’t overly inspiring. The Panthers also saw their top defensive players all leave the program (Dayon Hayes, Solomon DeShields and Samuel Okunlola).

"Although Pitt misses FSU, Miami and NC State, the Panthers do play an improved Cincy team on the road, have their Backyard Brawl against West Virginia, a fringe Top 25 team, and host Clemson in late November. I’m not sure the floor for this team is even five wins."

While Simonton is correct that Pitt had a terrible season, the worst in 25 years since they were 2-9 in 1998, the program also has one of the easier schedules in the Power 4.

According to ESPN FPI, or college football index, they ranked Pitt with the 10th easiest schedule in all of the Power Four and the fourth easiest of any ACC team.

Some of this has to do with Pitt not playing an elite non-conference opponent. Season opener Kent State is one of the worst teams in the FBS and is coming off of a 1-11 record in 2023. Cincinnati, while Simonton thinks they're improved, went 3-9 overall and 1-8 in their first season in the Big 12.

The Backyard Brawl is always a big game, but WVU still need to prove they're a serious team and not in the mediocre category. FCS program Youngstown State is the fourth and final non-conference game.

The ACC, as well, looks less strong than normal. A game at home at Clemson would normally serve as the toughest game on the schedule, but with the odd transfer business from head coach Dabo Sweeney and an 8-4 record last season, the program might not continue as the top for much longer.

Syracuse, Virginia and Boston College are also going through transitional periods, with Syracuse and Boston College hiring new head coaches this offseason, plus Virginia looking to grow under Tony Elliott.

North Carolina and Louisville will look to find a new signal caller after Drake Maye departed for the NFL draft and Jack Plummer graduated, respectively. Cal and SMU are new to the ACC and will have to adjust to playing in a new conference.

Pitt doesn't have a ton going for them in terms of national applause, but a weaker schedule and a lack of respect might give them the motivation they need to get back to a bowl game and even better if possible.

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