Pittsburgh finished at just .500 in the ACC last season, but that’s actually a pretty good number since only four teams in the conference managed to get records better than 4-4. In any case, Pitt could have a tough road to ACC success in 2020 since there are a handful of potentially daunting matchups on the schedule. 

This season the Panthers once again get an established coach and system in Pat Narduzzi, who is entering his sixth year. The staff will have to deal with some turnover, notably cornerback Dane Jackson, who was selected by the Bills in the NFL Draft. There are some depth issues in the secondary that Pitt will have to address, and on offense they’ll have to get more rushing success and see a step forward from QB Kenny Pickett. 

Looking at the schedule, there are some intimidating stretches and also a few opportunities to be had for Pitt. If the Panthers can hit the ground running they’ve got four winnable games in September before heading down to Miami the week before their bye. Beyond that, Notre Dame looms large, while both Virginia and Virginia Tech should be pretty decent teams. Still, if all goes according to plan, Pitt could hit nine wins or so this season. 

Pick: I’m pretty high on Pitt this year, so I’m going with the over. Seven games seems doable in a wide-open division (and no Clemson on the schedule). It should take a few weeks at least, but figuring out Virginia and Virginia Tech is going to be key in Pittsburgh's ACC success. I expect the Panthers to get a bowl game this year and also be contending for the Coastal Division championship, provided they get off to a good start with the home games in the opening month. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Panthers matching up with Clemson for the ACC title on December 5. 

2020 Pittsburgh Panthers Football Schedule 

Day, Date                                    Opponent 

Saturday, September 5                 Miami (OH) 

Saturday, September 12               At Marshall

Saturday, September 19               Richmond

Saturday, September 26               Duke

Saturday, October 3                     At Miami (FL)  

Saturday, October 10                   OPEN 

Saturday, October 17                   Notre Dame 

Saturday, October 24                   Georgia Tech

Saturday, October 31                   At Florida State

Friday, November 6                      Virginia Tech 

Saturday, November 14                At North Carolina

Saturday, November 21                At Virginia 

Saturday, November 28                Syracuse

Saturday, December 5                  ACC Championship