Three Takeaways from Pitt's Win Over Rhode Island

The Pitt Panthers beat the Rhode Island Rams handily, but their performance was far from perfect.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers left Week 3 with an ugly win over Rhode Island, ending the non-conference chapter of their schedule and giving way to the start of ACC play next week. 

The Panthers did not look particularly sharp, however, against the Rams. They were penalized heavily, gave up far too many explosive plays and look somewhat pedestrian on offense outside of Israel Abamikanda's long runs. 

Here's what I noticed from the press box as Pitt defeated Rhode Island, 45-24.  

Missed Chance to Manage Izzy's Workload

So Pat Narduzzi didn't want to rest his star tailback, even after he carried the ball a career-high 31 times last weekend against Western Michigan. That's fine. They didn't want to take Rhode Island lightly and Abanikanda rewarded his team with 245 all-purpose yards and four scores. But the Panthers missed out on an opportunity to keep him fresh, something running backs coach Andre Powell said they've had to think about more and more as his touches increase. 

Abanikanda did it all - running, receiving and returning - but he didn't need to. Rams defenders barely touched him on each of his four touchdown runs, meaning that just about anyone from the running backs room that the Panthers claim is so deep could have done his job effectively. 

One could argue that Abanikanda is the only one who could have delivered electric plays like his 67-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but he certainly didn't need to add kickoff returning duties on top of that, especially against an FCS opponent. 

The moment has come and gone and now Pitt will hit conference play with their best offensive weapon having endured a workload bigger than anything he's ever undertaken. 

DL Depth Can Only Do So Much

Pitt, a perennial national leader in sacks, played 34:48 without recording a sack of Rams quarterback Kasim Hill. Their lack of pressure allowed Rhode Island to find big gains in the passing game. They hit on four pass plays of 20 yards or more, three of which came when they were backed up in their own territory and they scored on the other. 

The defensive line has become an unexpected weakness of this Pitt team. Pat Narduzzi said the Panthers were down four of their top five defensive ends against Rhode Island, but even prior to losing Habakkuk Baldonado, Dayon Hayes, Nate Temple, Devin Danielson and Deslin Alexandre, Pitt's defensive line had not been living up to its potential, both Narduzzi and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey said so following the win.

No one knows when they can expect reinforcements, and the Panthers will have to make do with heavy doses of Bam Brima and Chris Maloney as compliments to John Morgan. Pitt loves it's depth at that position, but your reserves are your reserves for a reason and at a certain point, depth can only do so much in the face of mounting injuries. 

Third Down Defnese Needs Improvement

Rhode Island's numbers on third down - a 38.5% conversion rate - do not tell the full story. Miscommunication in the secondary and poor run fits up front combined to make the Panthers glaringly weak in this massively important area. 

During the game's most competitive point - a stretch between the 6:03 mark of the first quarter and the 9:12 mark of the third - Rhode Island converted on five of six third downs and averaged 17 yards per play on those snaps. The Rams were able to stay within two scores during that period, illustrating just how key third downs are and why Pitt needs to shore up on make-or-break downs. 

Some of their failings can be chalked up to the fact that they were rotating in many second and third-teamers, but against better competition, those mistakes will haunt them more than they did against Rhode Island. 

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