The words “Kenny Pickett has the flu” rank up there with “Ben has a sore elbow” in terms of creating panic among area football fans.

But Pickett assured reporters Wednesday that his bout with the flu was temporary and he will be “good to go” Saturday when Pitt meets Wake Forest in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

“Feeling a lot better now,” he said after practice. “There were just a couple days not feeling great. It’s something that’s been going around. Definitely feel a lot better now.”

When asked how the flu has affected the team this week, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey didn’t appear concerned.

“The team is great,” Kancey said. “Everybody’s practicing. Everything is going good.”

The reports of the flu conjured up memories of the days before the 1977 Sugar Bowl when several Pitt players complained of flu-like symptoms and some received intravenous fluids.

All was well by New Year’s Day when Pitt defeated Georgia, 27-3, to nail down the national championship.

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