Georgia Tech Football: Previewing the Pittsburgh offense

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Rafael Araujo-Lopes #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs towards the end zone to score a 42 yard touchdown in the second quarter during the game against the Albany Great Danes at Heinz Field on September 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers:

If we’re being completely honest, Pittsburgh’s group of wide receivers shouldn’t really strike fear into any opposing defense. While the Panthers do possess a group of receivers that have speed, no one receiver is a huge threat it seems. As someone who has watched plenty of Pitt games over the years, this group of wide outs is definitely one of their weaker groups in a few seasons. Though right now the better word for their group may be “unproven”. That being said, the Georgia Tech secondary can’t take the group lightly as that is when the secondary is most vulnerable to getting burned.

Rafael Araujo-Lopes (Sr): One of the leaders of Pitt’s receiving core, this Pitt wideout is a big play threat that can exploit weak secondaries and burn them. Araujo-Lopes entering the weekend has 49 career receptions for 617-yards, an average of 12.6 yards per reception. Averaging a first down per reception, the secondary will need to watch Araujo-Lopes carefully in third and long situations.

Taysir Mack (So): Mack is still very much an unknown commodity for the Panthers. In his first year with the Panthers, Mack has four receptions so far for 53-yards. Last season, Mack was with Indiana and appeared in six games. In those six games, he proved to be a quality receiver making 23 receptions for 310-yards and three touchdowns. Mack is a player worth watching as he’s the most unproven wide out in the offense but could also be the most dangerous.

Shocky Jacques-Louis (Fr): Not much is yet known about Jacques-Louis minus the fact that he has some pretty good speed. The true freshman hasn’t made a huge impact in his first two games but does have eight touches (five carries, three receptions) for 84-yards. The Panthers will use him in different formations and sets. If the Panthers use a jet sweep on Saturday it could be done with this potentially dangerous freshman.