PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Kenny Pickett has modest numbers — 151 of 243 for 1,695 yards, with 12 TDs and five interceptions — but has been efficient within the Pitt offense. He went for 316 yards last week against Wake Forest. “We know how capable he is. He’s accurate,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He’s smooth. He’s still young. I think everybody wants instant gratification, and he’s a great football player. We’ve never lost faith in him.”
–WR Taysir Mack was the leading receiver against Wake Forest was Mack. Despite hauling in just three balls, he had 105 yards receiving with a touchdown. Mack’s best performance prior to Wake Forest was a four-catch, 95-yard showing against Georgia Tech.
–RB Darrin Hall, after breaking out of a season-long slump with two of his best performances against Virginia and Virginia Tech, came back down to earth against Wake Forest. Hall, a senior complement to Qadree Ollison had just 44 yards on 13 carries. Hall did rush for one touchdown and moved up to 888 yards on the season.
–DL Patrick Jones II, who had been having a quiet season, posted his loudest effort of the season against Wake Forest. He had four tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and one sack.
Jones II previously had never registered more than two tackles in a game and only had one sack prior to the game.
SERIES HISTORY: Miami leads the series against Pittsburgh 25-11-1. Pittsburgh won 24-14 last season. Pittsburgh hasn’t defeated Miami twice in a row since 1976.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Big Ben is playing this week, yes, he’s playing. We’re playing. There’s nobody not playing.” — Pat Narduzzi on whether or not his starters will play against Miami