David Pollack predicts a blowout in one top 25 matchup this weekend originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
David Pollack sees a tough loss ahead for No. 22 Pittsburgh on Saturday. The former ESPN analyst believes the Panthers won’t even keep it close with No. 9 Notre Dame.
On his See Ball Get Ball” podcast, Pollack said he envisions a one-sided matchup despite Pitts recent surge. If it holds true, this would give the Irish a signature ranked win and style points for the next College Football Playoff rankings.
I dont see a way how its going to be close, Pollack said. I think that because they wont be able to run or throw it, their defense is going to have to keep them in it. Notre Dame has a pretty good balance, so Im all in on that.
The Irish have won seven straight after an 0-2 start, while Pitt has rattled off five consecutive victories behind freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel. However, Notre Dame’s single-digit losses came to Miami and Texas A&M, who were both highly-ranked at the time.
The Irish dominated last years meeting with the Panthers 58-7 in South Bend.
Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi even downplayed the stakes this week, noting the matchup has no impact on the ACC race. He even joked that he would gladly get beat 103 or 11010 if it meant the Panthers could win their final two games. Be careful what you wish for, especially late in the season.
Pittsburghs final games against No. 15 Miami and No. 16 Georgia Tech will determine a lot in the conference standings.
Again, our focus is on Notre Dame, Narduzzi said. One at a time. With that said, the one will be huge for Pitt as ESPN College GameDay will be in town.
No. 9 Notre Dame meets No. 22 Pittsburgh on Saturday (Noon ET, ABC).