Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi: 'Defense Won the Scrimmage'

Monday’s press conference created the first opportunity for the head coach and multiple Pitt Panthers to address the media regarding the live scrimmage that took place on Saturday. 

Head coach Pat Narduzzi opened the press conference by addressing the poor weather conditions at Acrisure Stadium that day, describing the particularly ‘windy’ and ‘cold’ atmosphere. 

“...Matter of fact, I've never seen it probably as windy as it was,” Narduzzi said in the segment available on YouTube. “It was gusty. Wasn't easy to throw the ball...The metal benches that we have on the sideline on game day blew over like several times. 

“I think they even blew over with a heavy Gatorade jug on them. But we got some really good work in there. Was great to get some of the young guys, some of the new guys in that stadium to see what they had. 

Narduzzi made clear which side of the ball was the most dominant on Saturday. 

“Defense won the scrimmage,” Narduzzi said. “I would say we got about 45 plays with the ones and twos on both sides of the ball. So, it means some good reps there. 45 with ones, 45 with the twos, and got another 25 with the threes out there, having three solid groups get work.”

“I think everybody's got a plan until they get hit,” Narduzzi added. “It's live the whole time…The defense was cranked up. The defense played with a lot of energy too. So, I would say whoever wins that scrimmage, it's going to be based on turnovers, and it's going to be based on energy. 

“The defense got the turnovers and they had the energy. I think anytime the whole practice is live, the defense gets cranked up and the offense is looking like we haven't done much of that. So, they'll be much more prepared for the Saturday coming up.”