Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/594735
GAME PREVIEW: PITTSBURGH man receivers — Will Fuller and Corey Robinson — in part-time roles to set up Notre Dame's three scores. Fuller's downfield speed resulted in a 37-yard catch. Meanwhile, Robinson with his 6-4 height had three catches for 54 yards, and drew some of the MSU penalties, which led him to be named the Offensive Player of the Game by Blue & Gold Illustrated. Kelly's eyes light up when he sees single coverage against Fuller, and North Carolina burned Pittsburgh deep several times in its 26-19 victory Oct. 29. Will Pitt attempt to "press" the issue against Fuller and Co.? SPECIAL FORCES In addition to kicker Chris Blewitt's back-to-back game-winning boots against Georgia Tech and Syracuse, Panthers special teams play has been quite active this year. The winning kick at Syracuse was set up be a successful fake punt, and then the Panthers converted another fake punt the next game in the fourth quarter against North Carolina. At Iowa, Pitt blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown, and it opened the second half against North Carolina by blocking a punt to set up a score. In wide receiver Tyler Boyd, it also has a game-breaking kick re- turner. Notre Dame's special teams this year have been their best all around in years, and made a huge difference in close victories against Virginia and USC. Given the history of tight games with Pitt, special teams play could be a tipping point again. ✦ Predictions Bryan Driskell: Notre Dame 34, Pittsburgh 17 Notre Dame simply has too much balance and speed on offense for the Pittsburgh defense. The Pan‑ thers don't have enough offensive firepower to keep up with the Irish. Andrew Ivins: Notre Dame 31, Pitt 26 The Panthers can play defense, but the Irish have proven that they can score in almost every game this season. That should be enough in the Steel City. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 34, Pittsburgh 20 Notre Dame's full focus will be on first‑year head coach Pat Narduzzi's squad that has flown under the radar during most of 2015. The Irish playmakers will be too much for the Panthers. Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 24, Pitt 17 One of the four Notre Dame games before the showdown at Stanford Nov. 28 will be a white‑knuckler like Virginia. If it's not Temple, then Pitt would be the next best bet. Jordan Wells: Notre Dame 35, Pittsburgh 27 The Panthers have the horses to make their fair share of plays, but it's not enough to keep up with Notre Dame. The Irish win in another close game in this series.