Pitt had a so-so regular season that included losses in consequential games to Virginia and Virginia Tech as well as a painful loss to in-state rival Penn State. However, the team also upset UCF, which was the No. 15 team in the nation at the time, and logged satisfying wins over North Carolina and Syracuse.
The end result of all this was a 7-5 record and an invitation to the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit, both of which have generally been met with disappointment from the Pitt faithful. However, according to Pro Football Focus, which analyzed and ranked all 130 FBS programs following Championship Saturday, there is reason for optimism, as Pitt is ranked 31st overall and fourth out of 14 teams in the ACC.