5 Bold Predictions For Pittsburgh Football In 2015

By Bryan Zarpentine

5 Bold Predictions For Pittsburgh Football In 2015

Pittsburgh Panthers Running Back James Conner Breakout NFL Draft — It's a new year for Pittsburgh football, and that means a new head coach. Pat Narduzzi steps in as the Panthers' fourth coach in the last six years, hoping to finally take Pittsburgh to the next level after the Panthers have become the picture of mediocrity over the last decade. Pitt is finally hoping to make an impact in the ACC this year, and here are five bold predictions for the 2015 season.

5. Tyler Boyd Struggles

tyler boyd - charles leClaire 1

5. Tyler Boyd Struggles

tyler boyd - charles leClaire 1 — Boyd is one of the most talented wide receivers in the country, but after off-field issues over the summer that resulted in him being suspended for the season opener, his problems will carry over onto the field. His off-field problems show that he's not completely focused on football, and as such, Boyd will be plagued by dropped passes and poor chemistry with his quarterback in 2015. He will have a hugely disappointing season.

4. James Conner Becomes Heisman Finalist

Pitt v Georgia Tech

4. James Conner Becomes Heisman Finalist

Pitt v Georgia Tech — Conner racked up over 1,700 yards and 26 touchdowns running the ball last season, which should be more than enough to put him on the Heisman radar heading into the 2015 season. The Panthers would be wise to lean on their rushing attack this season, and if their offensive line can hold up, Conner has a chance to crack 2,000 yards. That should be more than enough to make him a top-five contender for the Heisman.

3. Panthers Reach 9th Straight Bowl Game

Tyler Boyd

3. Panthers Reach 9th Straight Bowl Game

Tyler Boyd — Pittsburgh hasn't been an exemplary program in recent years, but they've been consistent enough to have a streak of eight consecutive bowl appearances. With a fairly easy schedule in September and four of their final five games coming at home, finding a way to win six games and play in a bowl for the ninth consecutive year seems like a safe bet, even if it's just another trip to the BBVA Compass Bowl.

2. Panthers Spoil Notre Dame's Season with Upset

Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football

2. Panthers Spoil Notre Dame's Season with Upset

Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football — Notre Dame has high hopes for this season, but even if they can survive tough games against Georgia Tech, Clemson and USC, their campaign will be spoiled by Pitt. The Irish will be taking the Panthers lightly, but with Narduzzi's defense and the punishing ground attack of Conner, Pitt will be poised to take down Notre Dame, giving them their second straight win over the Irish.

1. Pat Narduzzi Leaves After the Season

Pat Narduzzi Pitt Panthers from Michigan State Spartans football coach

1. Pat Narduzzi Leaves After the Season

Pat Narduzzi Pitt Panthers from Michigan State Spartans football coach — Coaching at Pittsburgh is usually just a pit-stop (pun intended) to another job, which is why Narduzzi is already the program's fourth coach in the last six years. With a long history of being a successful defensive coordinator, it won't take much for Narduzzi to generate interest from other schools. As long as the Panthers win six or seven games, which is a virtual certainty, Narduzzi will be given another job offer and head out of town.

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