Keys to victory on the road vs. Pitt
Do or die already.
BC is in must-win mode to open October. Sitting at 1-3, the Eagles desperately need to find a way – any way – to beat Pitt on the road Saturday afternoon.
With so many injuries and seemingly no answer to the inconsistencies on offense, it’s hard to see this one being a masterpiece on either side of the ball. Here are three key areas where this game could be decided on:
Lonergan has got to eliminate mistakes
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan looked every bit the part of a true building block QB1 when he put up 40 points against Michigan State (albeit in a loss), but he’s struggled to find consistency since then. His performance against Cal (21-37, 2 INT) including the game-sealing pick in the end zone in the final seconds was one that he was bound to have. People forget that this is Lomergan’s first true season playing the position regularly and he’s only had four game experiences so far. The arm talent is abundantly clear and with this receiving core BC should be able to put up points against a Pitt defense that’s given up 31 and 34 points to WVU and Louisville its last two games. But, Lonergan has to cut down on the interceptions.
Can knowledge of Holstein help young defense?
Hopefully, some familiarity with Pitt QB Eli Holstein helps out Bill O’Brien and Tim Lewis this weekend. O’Brien recruited Holstein when he was at Alabama, ironically enough in the same class as Dylan Lonergan. While O’Brien played down the fact that he spent time with Holstein and his family in Baton Rouge during the recruiting process, BC needs any little advantage it can get defending the pass, especially with so many young faces seeing significant playing time, particularly in the secondary.
Pound the rock
Until last week when Turbo Richard had 171 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns, the BC running game had been virtually non-existent. With BC missing Jude Bowry and Dwayne Allick getting demoted behind Michael Crounse, the rushing attack had its best day. Can that continue? Pitt gave up just 53 rushing yards against Louisville, but 174 to West Virginia. It’s one of the oldest football cliches in the book, but if BC can pound the ball, crush clock and keep the Pitt fans out of this one, they should be in good shape. If Lonergan’s got to do it all and the Panthers’ pash rush can pin its ears back, look out.
Prediction
Pitt 27, BC 20 – I’m just not sure this Eagles team has enough healthy bodies on defense. Too many impact guys are out. If BC does win, it’ll be because the offense carries them.
