‘Must-wins’ for Pitt kick off with Hokies
single loss in the conference so far. North Carolina is responsible for Pitt’s one loss, so the Panthers need to continue to win and hope for a loss by the Tar Heels.
That means the “mustwins” start Thursday, which also coincides with the toughest stretch of the season for Pitt. After Virginia Tech, Pitt hits the road for a 1-2 punch of Miami then Clemson.
“There are so many other things that can happen,” linebacker coach Rob Harley said. “We’re in the thick of it. We’re in a three-way tie. This game matters. All the other ones coming up, it’s going to matter when it’s time.”
The Panthers were off last week and used the extra time to recuperate and game-plan for the Hokies, led by first-year coach Justin Fuente.
Linebacker Mike Caprara is expected to return lineup after nursing an undisclosed “lower body” injury, but questions remain in several key positions — defensive end Ejuan Price and linebacker Quintin Wirginis, who both left the Virginia game with undisclosed injuries, and cornerback Avonte Maddox (arm).
“Not in any particular positions, but it definitely gave our entire team a chance to get fresh, get healthy, and coaches as well to get ready for the long haul here the next five games,” Narduzzi said.
A win by Pitt would be its first against a ranked opponent in Narduzzi’s tenure.
“Whether they’re ranked or not, it’s still a big game for us,” linebacker Matt Galambos said. “They’re a great team, 5-2 just like us. Our whole motto is each game is our biggest game, whether they’re ranked or not. It’s going to be a real good game.”
What does that mean this week?
“Just more focus, especially at practice. You have to practice that. You can’t just slop around at practice all week and then go out there on Thursday and say all right it’s time to play it’s a big game. You’ve got to do it every single day, every play, every period. It’s the kind of mentality throughout.”
The game will be televised on ESPN.
“It will be a great opportunity,” Narduzzi said. “I told our kids, it’s right there for you, the pursuit and what you want is right there for you, it’s there for the taking. Everything you wanted to do at the beginning of the season is sitting right in front of you on this Thursday night.”