GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Miami CBs Michael Jackson and Trajan Bandy could be in for a busy afternoon handling WR Taysir Mack, who has emerged as Pitt’s best vertical threat. In his first season since transferring from Indiana, Mack is averaging just over 24 yards a catch rotating in at wideout. He has started five games, including last week against Wake Forest when he had 105 yards and a touchdown on just three receptions.
DRAFT SLANT
–CB Michael Jackson is a candidate for a spot in the first round of the NFL draft even though he is looking for his first interception of the season after getting four last year. That’s because opposing offensive coordinators have found it to be safer to look elsewhere in the passing game. Jackson has broken up five passes to go with his 34 tackles.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Jarren Williams was suspended for last week’s game at Virginia Tech but will be available this week against Pittsburgh. He has played in only one game. Rich was non-committal on if the true freshman would play this week. “If it’s 14-10 in the fourth quarter, do you throw him in there?” coach Mark Richt challenged a questioner.
–LB Michael Pinckney will be reinstated this week after his suspension for use of an illegal substance was announced just before kickoff last week. Pinckney said he used a pain medication he did not realize contained a banned substance and apologized on Instagram.
–TE Brevin Jordan injured his ankle in the first half at Virginia Tech and did not return. He is questionable for Pittsburgh.
–TE Will Mallory injured his knee and also was not available in the second half. He, too, is questionable for Saturday.
–LB Mike Smith, who started against Virginia Tech last week, is out with a knee injury and likely will miss this week’s game. “We’re pretty certain he’ll be ready for the bowl game,” Richt said.
–QB Kelly Bryant, the former Clemson quarterback who is still looking for a home since quitting the Tigers when he lost his starting job, will not visit Miami this weekend, according to Rivals.com report. Bryant instead will make Auburn his final stop.
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