Pitt Football

Sights and Sounds From Pitt Practice Sept. 25

Published

6 years ago

September 25, 2018

PITTSBURGH — Pitt returned to the field on Tuesday as the Panthers began preparations for their journey to Orlando on Saturday to take on No. 13 UCF.

The Panthers went through their usual drills with an addition. With the Knights averaging just a hair under capacity at Spectrum Stadium this season and the Panthers the only Power Five opponent on the docket in 2018, it should be a loud and boisterous crowd.

As a result, Pitt practiced in the indoor facility the Panthers share with the Steelers on Tuesday and piped in crowd noise to help prepare for the environment. Here’s a sample:

TOUGH ASSINGMENT

The Knights offense has scored 30 or more points in 16 consecutive games and according to David Hale of ESPN, that’s the longest streak in the country.

The second-longest streak is eight games, held by Penn State. Penn State scored 51 on Pitt. Needless to say, this game has the potential to get ugly for the Panthers’ defense if they don’t execute.

One of the areas they fell short in execution in their loss to North Carolina last week was on the bubble screen. Here’s safeties coach Corey Sanders and defensive coordinator Randy Bates working on proper technique so that the Knights can’t follow the Tar Heels’ lead.

BACK IN ACTION

After both strong safety Phil Campbell (illness) and linebacker Anthony McKee (undisclosed) did not travel to North Carolina, both were back at practice on Tuesday.

HOLDIN’ ON

Despite regular holder Jake Scarton doing just fine in his role since returning from injury, quarterback Kenny Pickett continues to get work with the second-team specialists, which means he holds for Scarton, who is also the backup kicker. It seems that Pat Narduzzi is determined to not be caught off-guard by a holder injury again any time soon.