theKEYs… Miami vs Pitt

No. 13 Miami travels to Pittsburgh, PA, to take on the No. 24 Pitt this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. The Canes (9-2, 5-2 ACC) must win to stay in contention for a playoff berth and a still possible trip to the ACC Championship game in Charlotte.

Pitt (8-3, 6-1 ACC) has had a successful season. The Panthers are a good team and are VERY dangerous.

Therefore, we believe there are TWO KEYS for Miami to beat PITT.

WIN THE BATTLE IN THE TRENCHES

The strength of PITT is their offense, particularly the passing attack.

Pitt presents a balanced passing and running attacks, with their passing game leading the way. Pitt is averaging 407.0 yards per game in total offense, with 281.9 yards coming from their passing game.

Since taking over the starting QB role mid-season, freshman sensation Mason Heintschel has passed for 1,902 yards, 14 TDs, 6 INTs, with a 63.1 % completion rate.

Miami’s defensive line must win the battle in the trench. Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor must keep the pressure on the freshman quarterback and take him out of his rhythm.

Pitt’s running attack has been complimentary to the passing game. Running back Ja'Kyrian Turner has emerged as a running threat, rushing for 617 yards on 114 carries and 7 TDs.

Miami’s interior defensive line must bottle up Turner and make the Panthers one-dimensional.

MINIMIZE PENALTIES AND TURNOVERS...

Both Miami and Pitt are heavily penalized teams. The game could come down to who has the fewest penalties and turnovers. Can Miami quarterback Carson Beck turn in another game without an interception? Can Miami’s offensive line keep Beck clean in the pocket? Can the Canes stop shooting themselves in the foot with foolish flags for pre-snap and un-sportsmanship flags?

BOTTOM LINE:

Miami’s defense must DOMINATE Pitt’s offense.

GO CANES!