Pitt vs. Georgia Tech Takeaways: An Embarrassing Loss That Shouldn't Have Been

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers lost in ugly fashion to a head coach-less team that was falling into the depths of the Power 5 and the FBS. At the end of the night, the Panthers are left to wonder how good they really are.

The bottom line is that Pitt should have won this game. They were a 21-point favorite that found themselves down by two scores late into the fourth quarter. This week's practices and preparation will undoubtedly feature some soul searching as the Panthers look for answers before turning their attention to Virginia Tech.

How Does Three Pass Break-ups Still Result in a Bad Game?

Erick Hallett has a nose for the ball - his five pass breakups and team-leading two interceptions prove as much. But against Georgia Tech, Hallett let interceptions that he has hauled in easily at other points during his career fall through his hands three times.

Yes, Pitt turned the ball over way too much but the sting of those giveaways would have been softer if Hallett could come down with even one of those three would-be interceptions, this game might have ended differently, especially considering that on one of them, he had nothing but green grass and the endzone in front of him.

Defensive Line Returns to Form

There is not much positive that the Panthers can pull away from this loss except for the play of their defensive line. A stat line that features four sacks and 11 tackles for loss is more in line with one can and should expect from a Pitt front that prides itself on racking up sacks and tackles for loss.

Led by Calijah Kancey and Devin Danielson, this group started slowly. They pressured Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims constantly in the first quarter and began to covert on big chances for sacks and tackles for loss in the second. That continued well into the second half but faltered as they began to wear down.

Pitt's front seven had underperformed in that department and took a big step in the right direction in Week 5. That said, the Panthers still have issues defending the run, especially when it comes to keeping athletic, mobile quarterbacks in check.

Penalties Mount While Explosive Plays Dwindle

In order to be methodical, you have to be disciplined. Against Georgia Tech, Pitt was not - penalties killed them almost every time they made positive movement on offense or special teams. And if you can't be disciplined or methodical, then you better be explosive. But when facing the Yellow Jackets, Pitt was not. They created just one play of 20 yards or more before Georgia Tech backed off into a prevent defense while holding a lead late in the fourth quarter.

These two things - sluggish movement and undisciplined players - cannot coexist. Head coach Pat Narduzzi said that in his preparation for Virginia Tech next week, he would ensure that the right players see the field and those who continue to commit penalties do not. He better hope he can, because this offense is not good enough to shoot itself in the foot over and over again and still expect to score enough to win.

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