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Message: [QUOTE="PAcuse, post: 5533056, member: 715"] [LIST] [*][B]Fran Brown with Extra Prep Time[/B] – Give Coach Brown two weeks and a reason to prove a point? That’s a bad recipe for Pitt. He’s shown he can rally the team after a rough outing, and coming off a bye, you know he’s been hammering fundamentals and film. [*][B]Collins’ Growth Window[/B] – Rickie Collins is still raw, but the flashes are there. Two more weeks as QB1 means extra reps, extra chemistry with the receivers, and a chance to iron out those “rookie” reads. If he avoids turnovers, the offense can finally settle in and find rhythm. [*][B]Pitt’s Defense is Leaking Oil[/B] – Pitt’s defense is banged up — thin at defensive end, patching holes with a converted tackle, and missing key safeties. They’ve been giving up both chunk runs and intermediate passes. That’s a green light for Willis on the ground and Collins to hit those seams. [*][B]Ground Game Advantage[/B] – Yasin Willis has been a bright spot, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Pitt’s front seven has struggled to maintain gap integrity when tired, and SU’s offensive line has been more physical lately. Establish the run early, and everything else opens up. [*][B]Balanced Attack Developing[/B] – Emmanuel Ross is starting to emerge as a true playmaker, and SU’s young wideouts are growing each week. Add in Willis and a tight end safety valve, and suddenly Collins doesn’t have to do it all alone. A balanced attack will stress Pitt’s injury-thinned defense. [*][B]Defense Has Been Better Than the Record Shows[/B] – Despite some ups and downs, the defense has kept SU in games. Young guys like Deslauriers are getting more comfortable, and the front seven has started generating pressure. Against a Pitt offense that’s been inconsistent all season, this could be a get-right game. [*][B]Special Teams Edge[/B] – Once again, Stonehouse and Woody give SU an advantage in the kicking game. Field position matters in rivalry games, and Pitt’s special teams have been nothing special. Win the field position battle, win the momentum battle. [*][B]Chip on Their Shoulder[/B] – Let’s not sugarcoat it — Pitt embarrassed Syracuse last year. Fran Brown knows it, the players know it, and they’ve had two weeks to sit with it. Expect an emotional, physical, pride-driven performance from a team looking to make a statement. [B][SIZE=6][I]Posted in memory of our friend, carrying on the tradition.[/I][/SIZE][/B] 🟠 [I]Go Orange![/I] 🟠 [/LIST] [/QUOTE]

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