Pat Narduzzi understands that a team’s record goes a long way in shaping perceptions around its ability to win football games.
At 2-2 (0-1 ACC), Pitt appears less formidable at first glance than if it were undefeated.
But the same could be said of the Panthers’ upcoming opponent, Boston College (1-3, 0-2), which visits Acrisure Stadium at noon Saturday.
Narduzzi would be guilty of significant dereliction of duty if he was writing off any opponent based on its record. Ahead of kickoff, he’s making sure those he leads aren’t making that mistake.
“Boston College is a good football team,” Narduzzi said. “It’s like I told our guys, you can look at their record and say they’re 1-3. People can look at our record and say 2-2, but that could be a 4-0 team and so could we. That’s why we’re going into a battle. I think they’re really good.”
A key component of Narduzzi’s praise is the Eagles’ passing offense, which, at 344.5 yards per game, leads the ACC and ranks fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
“No one’s shut them down yet in the passing game,” Narduzzi said.
Unfortunately for Boston College, a high-powered air attack hasn’t translated to winning results, as the Eagles have lost close contests to Michigan State (42-40), Stanford (30-20) and Cal (28-24).
Pitt can relate, having lost its last two games to West Virginia and Louisville both by a touchdown.
On top of suffering close losses, similarities between Pitt and Boston College continue in terms of quarterback origin, with both Eli Holstein and the Eagles’ Dylan Lonergan having transferred from Alabama.
While Holstein has been shaky of late, Lonergan’s been sharper, completing 69.4% (111 of 160) of his passes for 1,188 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
That said, last week saw Lonergan held under 200 yards (197) and without a touchdown pass while throwing two interceptions vs. Cal.
“Their quarterback is a really good football player,” Narduzzi said. “I’ve got a ton of respect for him. I think he makes good decisions, he’s decisive with the ball, gets the ball out and doesn’t take a lot of sacks. He’s made mistakes but what quarterback hasn’t? It’s the hardest position on the field. But I’ve been impressed with the way he plays. I think he’s going to be a special player in the ACC Conference.”
Playmakers surround Lonergan, such as wideout Lewis Bond, who’s caught 36 passes for 352 yards, both team-highs.
“They love him,” Pitt secondary coach Archie Collins said. “He’s a guy they’re trying to figure out how to get the ball to.”
Bond has yet to catch a touchdown pass, but Reed Harris, who’s made 20 catches for 250 yards, has a pair and is also averaging 16.7 yards per catch.
Tailback Turbo Richard has also added 16 catches for 168 yards and two scores, while rushing for 329 yards on 58 carries (5.7 yards per carry) with four more scores.
Narduzzi said he’d be “fired up” if Pitt can hold Boston College to 250 yards passing Saturday.
Doing so will require discipline against coach Bill O’Brien’s system.
“They are simple but complex,” Narduzzi said. “They do a really good job in the passing game. Obviously, they’re fourth in the country in passing offense. Lonergan, he’s the one who makes it go, but I think they keep it simple with what he does. They’ve got probably five favorite concepts that they love. But when they line up, you’re not going to see it. They’re going to motion to it, they’re going to chip the back and motion — a little bit of both to trick your eyes.”
It remains to be seen how Pitt’s secondary will look against the Eagles, with both starting safety Javon McIntyre and corner Tamon Lynum listed as questionable.
McIntyre departed last weekend’s game vs. Louisville with an apparent injury while Lynum hasn’t played since Sept. 6 against Central Michigan.
Next up on the depth chart at safety is Kavir Bains-Marquez, whom Narduzzi said “played really well” vs. the Cardinals, while true freshman Shawn Lee could be in line for more action if Lynum can’t go.
“Our guys have got to be really good,” Narduzzi said. “The safeties have to be really good with what we see this week. Safeties will be the players of the game based on what we’re seeing and what we’re doing, if we can handle this pass offense.”