As we countdown to kickoff in September, we’re doing a team-by-team opponent preview. Today, we're previewing Syracuse's matchup with Pittsburgh on Nov. 11.
Most important offensive player, defensive player
Matt Goncalves is the most important offensive player coming into the season. With a new quarterback, a new starting running back, and the loss of their top wide receiver, Pitt needs to have great offensive line play to compete early in the season. Goncalves was named a preseason All-ACC player at Offensive Tackle and has a chance to contend for the Outland Trophy. If Goncalves can play to that level, he will be the anchor for this offensive line that will be extremely important in getting through the first month of the season.
MJ Devonshire is the best player on defense and special teams. He had three INTs last season, and has another great cornerback lined up across from him (Marquis Willams) who will force teams to still throw at him. Pitt breeds NFL talent at the defensive back position, and that continues this season.
Rising star on offense, defense
Rodney Hammond Jr. takes over for Israel Abanikanda, who was drafted by the NY Jets, as the lead running back for Pitt. Hammond sustained a few injuries last year but did get his first start against Syracuse where he ran for 124 yards and a touchdown. Hammond also started the Sun Bowl, where he ran for 94 yards and scored two touchdowns, which led him to winning MVP of the Sun Bowl. Hammond is expected to be a major factor for the Pitt offense, especially if Pitt leans on the play action packages.
Pitt's depth on defense makes this hard to determine, but I would say the rising star is Javon McIntyre. With Brandon Hill and Erick Hallett moving on to the NFL, McIntyre has the chance to solidify himself as the starting strong safety and continue Pitt's pipeline of Defensive Backs to the NFL. Another player of interest would be Donovan McMillon. A former four-star prospect, and transfer from Florida, has the chance to compete at both linebacker and defensive back.
Team outlook: Best-case scenario
Pitt has a challenging schedule, with one of the hardest out of conference schedules and a two game stretch against Notre Dame and Florida State. If Phil Jurkovec improves the offense to where it was when he was healthy at Boston College and Gavin Bartholomew, Bub Means and Konata Mumpfield can get the ball to make plays, this team can win 9 or 10 games in the regular season. The offensive and defensive skill is there, the question will be how quickly, if at all, the new pieces will mesh and stay healthy.
Team outlook: Worst-case scenario
Phil Jurkovec looks/plays terribly (or gets injured) and the defense does not replace the loss of production from their NFL departures. If those things happen, this team could finish 6-6 or worst. Pitt may be the biggest boom or bust team in the ACC this year.
Head coach / program is on the rise, stagnant, decline because ...
The program is on the rise. Pat Narduzzi has established himself as one of the best coaches in the ACC and the staff has kept the momentum from two straight top-25 seasons in terms of recruiting. This team could be very good, and another top-25 season will only keep Pitt on the upswing.
Key portal additions and losses
Offense: QB Phil Jurkovec (Boston College), WR Daejon Reynolds (Florida), RB Derrick Davis Jr (LSU), QB Christian Veilleux (Penn State), TE Malcolm Epps (Texas/USC)
Defense: DB Donovan McMillon (Florida)
----
Chat about this story and all things Syracuse and Syracuse recruiting on our premium message board, Cuse Classified!
Follow us on Twitter @TheJuiceOnline, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @SUJuiceOnline and listen to our podcast.
Tips/questions/concerns? E-mail Recruiting Analyst Charles Kang here.
Not a subscriber to The Juice Online? Join today for access to all our premium content and message board community.
