Boston College vs. Pitt Preview

Boston College vs. Pitt Preview

October 9, 2020 · by · in Football

By Abby Gallagher

Coming off a tough loss against No. 8 North Carolina, Boston College faces another challenge against the Pittsburgh Panthers this weekend at Alumni Stadium. 

The Eagles’ loss against North Carolina was crushing, but there were some positive takeaways. The BC defense started off slowly in the first half, but they held the Tar Heel offense to only a field goal in the second half. Phil Jurkovec continued his dominance; for the second straight week, he led a late-game touchdown drive, capping this one with a slant to CJ Lewis with 45 seconds left in the game. However, on the next play, UNC intercepted the two-point conversion, essentially ending the game.

The Eagles weren’t the only team to fall just short last weekend. Pitt also suffered a devastating blow against NC State, losing 30-29. Both teams are hungry for a win after losing such close games.

This game will be a battle of the defenses, as both teams have formidable defensive squads. Pitt ranks second in the country in total team defense, while BC is ranked 25th. Phil Jurkovec and the BC offensive line will need to watch out for the Panthers defensive line, which leads the country in sacks.

Pitt’s pass rush, led by defensive end duo Rashad Weaver and Patrick Jones II, will be all over Jurkovec if the Eagles’ offensive line doesn’t step up. Stand out safeties Paris Ford and Damar Hamlin are also crucial weapons for the Panthers’ defense; combined, they accounted for 181 tackles last season.

The Eagles’ offense will look to continue their pass-heavy strategy this weekend. Hunter Long remains one of the best tight ends in college football, recording a team-high 96 receiving yards against UNC. Wide receiver Zay Flowers also had an impressive showing during the UNC game, and BC will need him to come up big, especially against Pitt’s cornerback, Jason Pinnock, if they want to win the game. 

Leading the passing unit for Pitt is quarterback Kenny Pickett. He tops the ACC in total passing yards, and he amassed 411 yards against NC State. Pickett, like Jurkovec, is a dual-threat quarterback who often leaves the pocket and hits players downfield, as he did against NC State on a 50-yard completion to Turner. 

BC’s defense will need to contain Panthers wide receiver, DJ Turner, this weekend. He was named ACC Wide Receiver of the Week last week after recording 8 catches for 186 yards against NC State, and he currently leads the ACC in receiving yards. 

Freshman wide receiver Jordan Addison is another Pitt player to watch out for: he had 7 catches in each of the first three games of the season, and he had a 75-yard touchdown in last week’s game.

Saturday’s game should be another close contest for the Eagles. The defense needs to start strong out of the gate and stay that way throughout the game or the offense will have a hard time playing catch-up. The Eagles aren’t favored against the Panthers, but consistent play on both sides of the ball will keep them in the game.