Pitt can’t afford a letdown
PITTSBURGH – Debilitating losses filled Paul Chryst’s three-year tenure as Pitt’s head football coach. Fans became all-too-familiar with a “landmark” win being followed by a disappointing defeat and often, a losing streak.
After earning his first ACC win as the Panthers’ head coach, Pat Narduzzi is looking to end the trend and hoping to build off a 17-13 win over Virginia Tech last Saturday in Blacksburg.
During the win, Pitt had seven sacks and held Virginia Tech to only 100 total yards, including just 9 rushing. But the defense losing contain, several lapses in communication and the four sacks allowed are what stood out to him.
His strategy to keep the Panthers grounded is simple: don’t be satisfied.
“It’s coming out motivated and hungry for the next game, not just sitting there going, ‘Hey, you did good,'” Narduzzi explained. “Everybody up on campus is happy saying, ‘Nice job,’ and all of that bologna. But we can’t let that get to the kids because it can waterfall down the other way.”
Pitt (1-0, 3-1) is hoping to avoid a hangover when it hosts Virginia (0-0, 1-3) today for homecoming at Heinz Field. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m.
The Panthers have a top-5 ranking in the NCAA in sacks (second with 17), rushing defense (fourth with 71.3 yards per game), and total defense (fourth with 24.3 points yards per game).
Much of that has to do with the emergence of senior Ejuan Price as Pitt’s top pass rusher; the development of freshman safety Jordan Whitehead, who has a team-high 29 tackles; and the defense’s knowledge of Narduzzi’s scheme.
Junior middle linebacker Matt Galambos didn’t hesitate to give credit to a coaching staff that brings a unique energy and enthusiasm every day.
“The system has definitely made a difference. We believe in the system and it’s the culture here,” Galambos. “All the coaches have a ton of energy, enthusiasm and passion; whether it’s before, during the game or after the game.
When you have a passionate coach and a passionate coaching staff, we all want to be just as passionate.”
Junior quarterback Chad Voytik, who lost the starting job to graduate transfer Nate Peterman, has found a way to contribute for the Panthers.
He had five carries for 37 yards, including a 25-yard run on Pitt’s second play from scrimmage in its victory over Virginia Tech that helped set up Chris Blewitt’s 45-yard field goal.
Though Peterman is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, Narduzzi said Voytik will continue to receive playing time and will even throw the ball.
“Well, we know he can throw the ball. He was the starter a year ago,” Narduzzi said. “But, I think everyone is going to think that he’s going to run it and I don’t want that to be the case. He will run the ball and he will throw the ball.”
As Pitt continues to search for a consistency at the wide receiver spot opposite Tyler Boyd, it is leaning on its experienced tight ends.
For the fourth consecutive week, a tight end caught a touchdown pass for the Panthers, when senior J.P. Holtz’s 23-yard score gave Pitt an early 10-0 lead. Holtz and junior Scott Orndoff, a Waynesburg native and Seton-La Salle graduate, are tied for the team lead with two touchdowns.
Orndoff caught touchdown passes against Youngstown and Iowa, and has four catches for 104 yards.
“If they’re going to keep bracketing Tyler Boyd over there, then it’s going to free somebody else up and we have to find them,” Narduzzi said. “Those guys can catch the ball. We have capable tight ends. They have great hands and can run, so we’re happy with the way those guys are playing.”
The Panthers are playing their first home game since Sept. 5, when they defeated Youngstown State and the announced attendance was 49,969. But many fans – particularly in the student section – left during the fourth quarter.
Narduzzi isn’t worried about creating a home field advantage at Heinz Field.
“I think winning takes care of that – putting a product on the field when people know they’re going to see an explosive offense and a nasty defense,” Narduzzi said. “I’d come watch that.”