Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans often cross their fingers going into games against the Pittsburgh Panthers, and the games often prove they are right to do so. Not so in 2020, as the Irish - minus a couple of key contributors - walked into Heinz Field and absolutely manhandled the hideously charcoal-clad Panthers. With another road matchup on deck against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets next week, let’s look at what all went right in this systematic annihilation of Roc and Co.

Size matters

The Irish offense had struggled mightily to move the ball through the air prior to Saturday, and had to step up with Pitt fielding a stout run defense.