With ACC competition set to begin Saturday, No. 24 Pitt shouldn’t need any extra sources of motivation heading into its matchup against Georgia Tech. However, both coaches and players expect the Yellow Jackets to arrive at Acrisure Stadium with some extra fire.
On Monday, Georgia Tech fired head coach Geoff Collins following its 1-3 start. Collins’ record was just 10-28 during his time in Atlanta. The school’s athletic director, Todd Stansbury, was also relieved of his duties.
Pat Narduzzi expressed sympathy for Collins and his family during his media availability Monday. The Panthers head coach also discussed potential challenges that could come with a new man — former offensive line coach Brent Key — at the helm.
“There's going to be different things that maybe they're allowed to do that they couldn't do before,” Narduzzi said. “So, you really don't know, and I've never been in that situation. So, I don't know what the preparation will be like. I don't know their kids. I don't know where the focus will be.”
While Narduzzi is unfamiliar with Georgia Tech’s current position, one of his starters on the defensive side of the ball can relate to what the Yellow Jackets are going through.
Prior to joining the Panthers last winter, Shayne Simon, a redshirt senior linebacker, spent the four seasons at Notre Dame. Simon’s time with the Fighting Irish included last season when then-head coach Brian Kelly unexpectedly left for the LSU job — something Simon is still shocked by to this day.
In addition to the craziness, Simon also recalls the aftermath of Kelly’s departure, which included how he and his teammates rallied around interim head coach Marcus Freeman, who has since been hired for the role full time. He feels that same sense of unity could be found within the Georgia Tech locker room Saturday.
“Everybody has a different team. Everybody has a different chemistry, so they’re probably taking it differently,” Simon said. “I’m not sure what it’s like in their camp right now. They’re going to be ready for us on Saturday.”
Simon was also quick to point out his experience at Notre Dame was much different than what the Yellow Jackets are going through. When Kelly left, the Irish were 11-1 and still hoping to sneak into the College Football Playoff. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, is simply looking to avoid going 0-4 against FBS opponents.
However, regardless of the difference in where the two teams stand, Simon still believes the midseason change will have his upcoming opponent ready to roll come kickoff.
“They’re going to come out fired up, ready to go,” Simon said. “It’s going to be a good game on Saturday.”
So, where does that leave the Panthers? How does one prepare knowing its opponent will be coming out with some extra fire? Simon’s position coach said it will come down to expecting the unexpected.
“You never know,” Pitt linebackers coach Ryan Manalac said. “I think the offensive scheme will be intact, but we’ll prepare as we always do for the unexpected — look at their body of work and make the best plan we can and go from there.”
Noah Hiles: nhiles@post-gazette.com and Twitter @_NoahHiles
First Published: September 28, 2022, 6:16 p.m.