Eli Holstein isn’t the ACC Rookie of the Week for the first time this season (in a week in which he played), but Pitt is still well-represented in the ACC Team of the Week.
Pitt outlasted Cal, 17-15, over the week largely thanks to second half heroics from the defense and a record-setting field goal.
Jimmy Scott has been named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, and Ben Sauls has been named the ACC Specialist of the Week.
Scott earned another start for the Panthers at defensive end and turned it into his best collegiate game yet. He led all Panthers with 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, totaling six tackles (five solo). Pitt racked up six sacks and 11 tackles for loss as a unit.
“Obviously the offense didn’t play great today, but the defense played lights out, and that’s what you want to have,” Pat Narduzzi said Saturday. “I know you guys have been asking for some sacks, so we got some today for you. Jimmy Scott, heck of a day; Lovelace just finding ways.”
Pitt called on Sauls three times, and he delivered three times — including tying the program record with a 58-yard field goal in the second quarter. He’s still perfect on the season, 10-of-10 and 28-of-28, respectively.
“Yeah, I guess he tied Kessman for the longest,” Narduzzi said. “He came up to me before and said, can we get a delay of game so I can get the record. He didn’t say that. I thought he was going to. I was like, he’s going to want a delay of game. We’re not going there. But he’s got a great leg. He’s been automatic, and again, there’s no hesitation on that call either.”
Scott is just the latest Panther to bring home weekly honors, joining Holstein, Desmond Reid, Konata Mumpfield, Kyle Louis, Donovan McMillon and Sauls himself.
