Ten takeaways from Pat Narduzzi's Monday press conference
- Pitt WR Malik Knight left the UCF game with a shoulder injury and did not return; this report does not confirm his Thursday availability. Narduzzi says Tony Kinsler is now fully healthy after an ankle issue and had been the intended starter. Bryce Yates has caught all six targets, each for a first down or touchdown, giving Pitt options if Knight misses time.
- Narduzzi praised Pitt DT Nick James's improved pass rush; the embedded analysis cites 10 pressures in two games, eight against UCF. The analyst also flagged a thinly used rotation behind James and FitzSimmons, with little work for the reserve tackles. That is a workload concern, not an announced injury or proof the starters are already fatigued.
- For Thursday's Syracuse game, Pitt moved its normal Tuesday work to Sunday in full pads, followed by Monday shells. Narduzzi also confirmed the staff had practiced an altered wet-weather plan after the rain-limited UCF passing game, but did not disclose the adjustment; no specific glove, personnel or play-calling change was confirmed.
- Narduzzi said Pitt is emphasizing Syracuse's vertical routes, including inside fades by the slot receiver that stress safeties and corners. He praised Raion Strader's early coverage. The embedded analyst views pressure on Steve Angeli as important to reducing prolonged one-on-one exposure; a particular blitz package was not announced.
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Cautiously optimistic...
- Coaching: The quarterback literally said in the post game presser that he couldn’t throw the ball and yet we have 3-5 posters on here insisting that the weather wasn’t that bad lol
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