PITT With Chance For Statement Win Against N.C State

You want to talk about two teams that are in two different emotional states right now, just look at the matchup at Heinz Field on Saturday between N.C State and PITT.  The Wolfpack come into the game with a record of 5-1 (3-0 in the ACC) and in a tie for 1st with Clemson in the ACC Atlantic.  They have also won 5 straight games since their season opening last second loss against South Carolina.

So, if N.C State is coming into this game with all the confidence in the world.  How is PITT feeling after a loss to Syracuse?  Are they angry? Frustrated? Discouraged? Annoyed?  Any of these answers could be correct and I’m sure you could come up with even more adjectives to describe the state of this PITT team right now.  The Panthers are 2-4 overall (0-2 in the ACC Coastal), which puts them in 6th place in the division ahead of North Carolina.

It’s time for PITT players to put their foot down and say enough is enough with the mistakes they’ve made thru 6 games so far.  They have looked sloppy in some games and in key moments of other games.  This game on Saturday against N.C State is a chance for PITT to say enough is enough and maybe build some momentum the rest of the season.

But first, Since coaching is the topic of the week in Pittsburgh and across the country for that matter, let’s start there when looking at this matchup.  N.C State Coach Dave Doeren is in his 5th season as Coach of the Wolfpack and here are his records in each season.  In 2013 (Year 1), the Wolfpack finished 3-9 Overall (0-8 in the ACC).  In 2014, the Wolfpack finished 8-5 (3-5 in the ACC) and won the St. Petersburg Bowl.  In 2015, the Wolfpack finished 7-6 (3-5 in the ACC) and lost the Belk Bowl.  In 2016, the Wolfpack finished 7-6 (3-5 in the ACC) and won the Independence Bowl.  And so far in 2017, the Wolfpack are 5-1 (3-0 in the ACC) and look like true contenders to represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship.

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