Georgia Tech game launches season-defining stretch for Pitt

With only four games left in the regular season, Pitt is approaching a point on the calendar that will define Pat Narduzzi’s fifth year as coach.

The Panthers will take a 5-3 record and a reasonable chance to repeat as ACC Coastal champions to Atlanta on Saturday to play Georgia Tech.

A victory against the decided underdogs — at some sportsbooks you can get the Ramblin’ Wreck plus 10 points — could launch Pitt (5-3, 2-2) toward its first nine-win regular season since 2009. A loss would stretch Pitt’s misery from the Miami game over another 12 days, with the Panthers off until playing North Carolina on Nov. 14 in an ESPN Thursday night game.

Here are five thoughts to keep in mind before the 4 p.m. kickoff from Bobby Dodd Stadium: 

1. Recovery time

That’s especially true this season when the Panthers defeated Ohio after losing to Virginia and Central Florida after the tough Penn State loss. Overall under Narduzzi, Pitt is 12-11 after a loss that didn’t end the season.

“They’re upset and ready to go,” Narduzzi said. “I like an angry team. I don’t like a happy team.”

Pitt’s lineup isn’t dominated by seniors, but there were enough players who have logged significant playing to keep everyone’s head up during preparations this week.

There are 23 seniors and juniors who will play Saturday. This isn’t a lost team trying to find its way. Pitt has been one of the best in the ACC and has been competitive against every team on its schedule, including No. 5 Penn State in front of 108,661 people at Beaver Stadium.

The Panthers have no excuse if they don’t finish the season on a positive note.

2. Power line

The line was one of the more inexperienced areas of the team before the season, but it’s improving and growing some depth.

Tackle Carson Van Lynn and guard Jake Kradel have earned playing time after line coach Dave Borbely stuck with starters Carter Warren, Bryce Hargrove, Jimmy Morrissey, Gabe Houy and Nolan Ulizio through the first six games.

The results at times were good in the Miami game. Someone was opening holes in that stout Hurricanes defense for Todd Sibley to rush for 55 yards on his first three carries.

3. Losing steam

Quarterback Kenny Pickett’s passing yards has diminished in each of the past three weeks. He is averaging about 250 yards per game, but that’s down from 293 after the first three games. He also has thrown five of his seven interceptions in the past four games and been sacked 10 times in the past three.

It’s not all his fault. Pro Football Focus reported Pitt has 26 dropped passes this season. Take away half of those and it’s a different conversation.

4. Hairy situation

Strength coach Dave Andrews vowed not to shave his beard during Pitt’s four-game winning streak.

“He came in on Sunday (after the Miami loss), that thing was shaved off.” Narduzzi said.

Narduzzi did not want to switch briefcases during the streak, even though he has a new one with Pitt script lettering and new colors.

“The thing’s sitting in my backseat,” he said. “Maybe this weekend I’ll change it.”

5. Pressure point

Pitt has recorded 38 sacks, an average of 4.75, to lead the nation. Georgia Tech gives up an average of three.

Pitt’s defense did little wrong in the Miami game, but its members weren’t happy about being held to two sacks — both by Patrick Jones.

There’s no greater outlet for the anger Narduzzi mentioned than a strong pass rush.

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