2021 Recap: A division title and trip to the conference title game were pleasant surprises for the Pittsburgh Panthers. They were so well-rounded on both sides of the football. Let’s start with the offense. Kenny Pickett wowed me each week with his performances. There’s a reason why he was a Heisman candidate. Also, how could we forget the fake slide in the ACC title game?! Jordan Addison was the quarterback’s top target. On defense, they weren’t too shabby either. In 2021, they led the ACC in rush defense and held teams to 23 points per game and 5.1 yards per play. They finished as runner ups in the conference and can only look up from this point on out.
Key Departures: QB Kenny Pickett, WR Jordan Addison and DB Damarri Mathis.
2022 Prediction: Now look, the Miami Hurricanes might be the sexy pick for the division. Mario Cristobal is back and they could be relevant once again. I’m not going to sleep on Pittsburgh which is why I have them repeating as division champs. Kenny does indeed leave big shoes to fill, but Pat Narduzzi will find a way to work with what he has. They return their entire offensive line and a nice group of running backs anchored by Israel Abanikanda, Vincent Davis and Rodney Hammond. On defense, seven starters will return this fall.
