Pitt prepares for crucial three-game stretch, starting with Virginia Tech

It is not an exaggeration to say Pitt is about to embark on a three-game stretch that will define its season.

The Panthers host Virginia Tech later Thursday in a crucial Coastal Division matchup, then travel to play at Miami and at Clemson. It's a three-game gauntlet that rivals one the Panthers went through at the start of the season against Penn State, Oklahoma State and North Carolina.

Nathan Peterman has turned things around, on third down especially, since Pitt's loss to North Carolina.Beating the rival Nittany Lions was a milestone victory. Losing a tough game to the Cowboys on the road hurt. But the toughest loss to bear was against the Tar Heels, who now hold the head-to-head…