Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/594735
GAME PREVIEW: PITTSBURGH On PaPer BY BRYAN DRISKELL PITT RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE Pittsburgh has been able to overcome the loss of running back James Conner, who led the ACC in rushing yards (1,765) and touchdowns (26) in 2014. When Conner went down in the season opener, the Panthers turned to redshirt freshman Qadree Ollison and sophomore Chris James, who have combined for 945 yards in eight games. Ollison has provided the power lost by Connor, while James is an elusive back with speed. In their first two games against Football Bowl Sub‑ division opponents, the Panthers averaged just 91.0 yards per game. In the five games since, their average jumped to 169.4 yards per game. Notre Dame was giving up 175.9 rushing yards per game through its first seven outings, an effort that ranked 83rd in the land. The Irish defense has strug‑ gled defending the run since starting the season by shutting down Texas and Virginia, who combined for just 187 yards on the ground. In the five games that followed, Notre Dame al‑ lowed non‑option opponents to rush for 170.0 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry. Those numbers jump to 208.8 yards a game and 5.3 yards per run when the option teams are included. ADVANTAGE: Even PITTSBURGH PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE The Panthers have countered an improving ground game with an efficient passing attack that focuses on low‑risk throws. They will take some shots off play Through Oct. 29, redshirt junior quarterback Nate Peterman ranked 14th nationally in completion percent‑ age (67.4) and 34th in pass efficiency (147.4 rating). PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH