Pitt Take 5: He's done it before, but can Pat Narduzzi guide Panthers out of their malaise?

There are a few historical trends that may foretell how the remainder of Pitt’s season evolves. Critics and doomsday fans might prefer the word “unravels,” but let’s allow the remaining seven games to play out before slapping on labels.

In coach Pat Narduzzi’s eight previous seasons, he has compiled an 8-3 record in games immediately following an off week. That includes 3-0 during the covid-19 season of 2020 when Pitt had three off weeks and won the next game each time.

Faced with a stretch of losses — such as the current four-game losing streak — Narduzzi usually has been able to snap his team out of its malaise. In his first two seasons of 2015 and 2016, Pitt had four two-game losing streaks. After three of them — another ended the 2015 season — the Panthers were 2-0, 3-0 and 3-1.

In 2018, 1-3 was followed by 4-0. A year later, Pitt opened the ‘19 season 1-2 before winning four in a row. Later, the Panthers took a two-game losing streak into the Quick Lane Bowl and beat Eastern Michigan, 33-30.

In 2020, Pitt went from 0-4 (midseason) to 3-1. In 2022, it was 1-3 (midseason) to 5-0.

Does any of this really pertain to the current state of affairs? Of course not, each year is different. But you have to credit Narduzzi’s players over the years for staying interested no matter the circumstances.

The current four-game losing streak — this one without the excuse of covid restrictions — will present another test of the Pitt coach’s ability to rally the troops.

If Pitt (1-4, 0-2 ACC) has any chance of salvaging this season, here are five areas that must improve:

1. Quarterback

Nearly two years after Kenny Pickett took his last snap for Pitt, there is no adequate resolution to the quest to find his replacement.

Kedon Slovis never clicked with his coaches or teammates and transferred to BYU, where he is fifth in the Big 12 in passing yards (1,240) while leading his new team to a 4-1 record. Meanwhile, Phil Jurkovec was inaccurate and uncomfortable in the pocket and now moved to tight end, according to ESPN.com. The season is slipping away at 1-4, and Christian Veilleux, a transfer from Penn State, gets the next crack at fixing what ails the offense.

Here’s a hypothetical thought:

What if Narduzzi had forgotten, temporarily, his transfer portal password and decided during the offseason leading into the 2022 season just to go with Nick Patti? Would Patti have been as successful for a full season as he was in the Sun Bowl? Would he still be the Pitt quarterback today? Remember: He left a year of eligibility on the table.

Just a thought to help get you through the off week.

2. Run defense

Narduzzi built his reputation on stopping the opponent’s run game and making its offense one-dimensional.

West Virginia, Cincinnati and Virgina Tech stomped Pitt for 151, 216 and 228 yards on the ground. In case you’re wondering, all three teams are unranked in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

The same can’t be said for No. 25 Louisville, No. 10 Notre Dame, No. 5 Florida State and No. 19 Duke, who comprise more than half of Pitt’s remaining seven opponents.

Getting outside linebacker Bangally Kamara back from injury would help.

3. Find Bartholomew

Junior tight end Gavin Bartholomew leads the team’s regulars in receiving yards (258) and average yards per reception (21.5). The latter number leads the Power 5 among tight ends with at least 10 catches.

But that brings up an interesting (troubling?) point that offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. should emphasize to Veilleux. Bartholomew, who stands 6-foot-5, 250 pounds with plenty of athleticism, barely qualifies for the NCAA stat leaders because he only has 12 receptions among his 15 targets.

Three targets per game? Cignetti can do better than that.

Why are quarterbacks choosing other targets? Bub Means has 26, but only seven receptions for 146 yards. Bartholomew is making a catch 75% of the time he is targeted. Means’ percentage is 27.

4. Pass rush

Pitt had a ferocious pass rush over the previous four seasons, collecting 199 sacks (an average of nearly 50). So far, Pitt has 16, which is tied for the ACC lead with Syracuse and Wake Forest and 19th in the nation.

A struggling offense needs an elite defense to make up for its shortcomings. Pitt’s pass rush is better than average, but not special. This year, it needs to be special because the offense isn’t scoring enough points.

5. Better discipline

There have been too many flags this season, with Pitt next-to-last in the ACC in total penalties (41) and 11th in yards lost to penalties (62.8 per game).

Example: Virginia Tech started a second-quarter possession at its 33 Saturday and its first three plays were an incomplete pass, a run for a 1-yard loss and a 4-yard sack. Pitt would have had the upper hand, but pass interference and roughing-the-passer penalties took away the defense’s momentum. Nine plays later, the Hokies were in the end zone. Pitt’s manageable 14-7 deficit was 21-7 at halftime.

That’s how you start 1-4.