Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/594735
GAME PREVIEW: PITTSBURGH in punt returns, 59th in both punt return defense and kick returns, and 84th in kickoff coverage. Sophomore punter Tyler Newsome (43.5 yards per punt) and freshman kicker Justin Yoon (9 of 11 on field goal at‑ tempts) have been bright spots. ADVANTAGE: Pittsburgh COACHING Narduzzi has done an outstanding job in his first year in Pittsburgh. The Panthers, who had won either six or seven games in the five years prior to his arrival, started the 2015 season with a 6‑2 record, putting it on pace for the team's best season since 2009. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly has experience versus Narduzzi. The Irish went 3‑1 against Michigan State with Narduzzi as the defensive coordinator. Kelly is also in year six at Notre Dame, which gives the Irish the advantage in regards to experience in the system. ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame INTANGIBLES Notre Dame will enter the matchup as the more talented and more experienced team, but the Pan‑ thers are at home and recent matchups against the Irish will give this Pittsburgh team confidence it can knock off the Irish. Pittsburgh beat Notre Dame 28‑21 in the last matchup in 2013. Going back to 2008, the teams have split their six battles, all of which have been decided by seven points or less. ADVANTAGE: Even Notre Dame must account for fifth‑year senior defensive end Ejuan Price, who had 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks through eight games. PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH