On Tuesday, Pitt wide receiver coach JJ Laster, defensive lineman Nick James and safety Donovan McMillon discussed the Backyard Brawl win with the media.
Laster provided insight on his receiving corps’ performance on Saturday with Konata Mumpfield, Kenny Johnson and Raphael “Poppi” Williams making plays, along with Daejon Reynolds’ first reception and touchdown of the season late in the comeback win.
The term “trust” has been related to the passing game with redshirt freshman Eli Holstein and Laster elaborated on how important that has been between the quarterback and his pass catchers.
Defensively, James talked about how the defensive line has come together throughout the first three weeks with the different amount of players receiving significant game action. He also touched on the importance of stopping the run against Cincinnati and West Virginia and how that will be another area of focus with Youngstown State coming to town.
Last season, McMillon led the Panthers in tackling and is on pace to do so again with 32 tackles through three weeks, including 13 against West Virginia. McMillon talked about how active he is within the box and coming up to make plays in the run game.
The senior from Peters Township also discussed how much the Backyard Brawl win meant to him and the program and how the defense handled the pressure throughout the game.
For more on the Pitt press conferences from Laster, James and McMillon, watch below:
