Pitt feels the sting, Georgia Tech 38-33 // Sean McQuillan, Staff Writer
Pitt heads to Bobby Dodd Stadium for the first time since 2021 to face the Ramblin’ Wreck of Georgia Tech. History as of late leans Pitt’s way — 4-1 in their last five trips to Atlanta and three straight games with 20 plus points — but both teams enter this matchup tangled at the top of the ACC.
For Georgia Tech, it’s simple — win and in. For Pitt, this is the first of two must-win games to reach Charlotte.
Georgia Tech rides a 10-game home winning streak and just survived an 11-point fourth-quarter scare against Boston College. Pitt, meanwhile, had its five-game streak snapped by Notre Dame, which all but punched its Playoff ticket.
GT ranks No. 1 in the nation in total offense — nearly 500 yards per game — powered by a near 220-yards-a-game rushing attack. Pitt still sits near the top of FBS in rush defense — allowing under 100 yards per game — but gave up 175 to Notre Dame, raising real concerns. With redshirt junior defensive tackle Sean FitzSimmons out, true first-year Trevor Sommers steps in at defensive tackle.
And speaking of first-years, quarterback Mason Heintschel now faces his toughest conference challenge yet in quarterback Haynes King, a legitimate Heisman contender — currently fifth-highest odds.
These teams are evenly matched, the stakes couldn’t be higher and both know a trip to the ACC Championship is on the line. But Pitt’s offensive line remains a major question mark after last week, and with senior running back Desmond Reid likely out, its offense risks becoming one-dimensional.
Buzzkill in Georgia: Pitt gets stung 28-24 // Rithika Praturu, Staff Writer
The tail end of the regular season can only mean one thing — every team’s best and worst traits are fully exposed, and there’s little time left to fix them. Pitt’s brutal loss to Notre Dame made that painfully clear.
The offense completely unraveled under pressure. Heintschel went 16-for-33 for just 126 yards and one interception in the 37-15 defeat, eventually forcing Pitt to turn back to former starter redshirt sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein, who managed a single touchdown on a 23-yard drive. Heintschel is still only 18 years old, so criticism should come with some grace, but the reality is that Pitt needs more stability in games that matter.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is entering this matchup with everything on the line. One more win sends the Yellow Jackets to the ACC Championship and keeps their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Pitt is a solid ACC opponent, but can they realistically contain senior quarterback Haynes King and his dual-threat explosiveness?
King has been a part of Heisman conversations with 2,259 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and a 72.7% completion rate. He also leads Georgia Tech in rushing with 807 yards and 14 touchdowns — numbers that would be impressive for a running back, let alone a quarterback.
If Pitt wants a chance, the defense will need its best performance of the season, especially after last weekend’s collapse. Junior linebacker Rasheem Biles leads the team with 61 tackles, but his on-and-off availability due to injury raises even more uncertainty heading into a game where Pitt can’t afford any.
This matchup will come down to mentality as much as talent. On paper, the teams line up well against each other, but Georgia Tech holds a major advantage at home, especially with a sellout crowd expected. The Panthers may have what it takes to set up a good game, but Georgia Tech will come out on top.
Pitt falls just short against Georgia Tech, 28-20 // Thomas Simione, Staff Writer
The biggest game of the year is imminent for the Panthers, and another disappointing finish may be in store. While a magical run has put Pitt in contention for the ACC Championship game, a beatdown from Notre Dame might’ve sent the season into a death spiral.
Heintschel has become a local hero for his fantastic stretch that put Pitt in this position, but his inexperience showed last Saturday against the Irish. After a 16-yard sack on fourth down on the Panthers’ first drive, Heintschel seemed shaken, constantly escaping the pocket and getting rid of the ball quickly. To Heintschel’s credit, he was playing high school football less than a year ago, but he’ll need to tighten up against another quality opponent in Georgia Tech.
This Pitt team is talented, but I’m not sure if head coach Pat Narduzzi is the right person to unlock that talent. The Panthers will play in a tough environment on the road and at night. If the version of Pitt that we saw on Saturday comes to play, then hopes of an ACC title will come to an end in Atlanta.
The post Prediction | Georgia Tech will take down Pitt and end its hopes of an ACC title appeared first on The Pitt News.