This is Part 2 of our analysis of Pitt’s 2018 football schedule. For Part 1 can be found here. We now look at the 2nd half of Pitt’s 12 game schedule, beginning with their October 13th game at Notre Dame:

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October 13 – @Notre Dame

All-time Record: 21-47-1

Last Meeting: Notre Dame over Pitt 42-30 (2015)

Pitt goes to South Bend, Indiana to play the Fighting Irish for the first time since 2012 and are meeting them for the first time since 2015. Notre Dame’s recent association with the ACC, where they play every team in the conference on a rotating basis, has actually resulted in them playing more infrequently. Instead of playing almost every year, as had been the case prior to 2013, they’re only matched up about twice out of every five seasons. While it’s unfortunate that Pitt doesn’t have the opportunity to play Notre Dame nearly as often as they used to, they do have them on the schedule this year and they will likely present a formidable test for the Panthers.

Notre Dame returns Brandon Wimbush at Quarterback, who was a first-year starter last year. He had his struggles, but he was also a threat with his legs. There are indications that he will be improved in his second year starting given extra experience and spring performances. Even so, Wimbush doesn’t exactly need to be All-American caliber given that the Offensive Line returns 3 of 5 starters from a unit that won the Joe Moore Award for the Nation’s Most Outstanding Offensive Line. Regardless of any questions on offense, the real strength of this team will be the defense. They return 9 starters from that side of the ball which gave up 21.5 points per game and 369 yards per game. With an extra year of seasoning to the returning players, Notre Dame’s defense has a great chance of giving up less than 20 points per game.

Pitt will have their hands full against Notre Dame, though pulling out a win won’t exactly require a miracle. Notre Dame has a great defense and offensive line, but they have questions at the skill positions. Additionally, though Kenny Pickett is still somewhat of an unknown, he’ll likely provide an edge at the most important position on the field. If Pitt is going to win the game, it will likely be because Pickett makes enough plays and the Pitt defense has a great game. Even then, the margin for error will be very low. Look for Pitt to lose a relatively low scoring game.

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