PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Shocky Jacques-Louis, one of three true freshmen to see action for the Panthers this fall, is a 6-foot, 180-pound wideout who has just 33 receiving yards this season, but the freshman will play a vital role in sparking the Pittsburgh offense. While Jacques-Louis’ stats don’t jump off the page, coach Pat Narduzzi clearly sees value in throwing the first-year player out on the field routinely. If his perimeter blocking can be quality, Jacques-Louis can help the Panthers break off some explosive plays against UCF.
–P Kirk Christodoulou has struggled so far in 2018. Pittsburgh ranks No. 105 in net punting in the FBS, averaging just 34.3 yards per boot. “I think he’s just got to refocus on — he can punt the ball. You guys probably see it in practice,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He’s just got to get in the zone. I think he’s thinking too much. Again, it’s a young punter. You know, a young punter that’s trying to work through the good and the bad. I’m happy he’s caught the dang snaps. You know, don’t wish for too much … I’m just happy he’s caught the dang things.”
–DB Therran Coleman, a redshirt sophomore, will likely see more action, along with the rest of the secondary, this week as coach Pat Narduzzi envisions employing more sets with five defensive backs.
“There’s backups that will be in there at times,” Narduzzi said. “Therran Coleman came in and did a heck of a job for a few plays that he was in (against UNC). You’d like to see that every day in practice from everybody.” Coleman has just two tackles in 2018. He tallied all of six last year.
SERIES HISTORY: Pittsburgh leads UCF 1-0, winning 52-7 in 2006.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve got to learn from our mistakes and move on to Central Florida with — top 15 football team with a Heisman Trophy candidate for real. It’ll be the second one we’ve played this season. McKenzie Milton is a football player. He’s got a quick release, makes good decisions, the tempo is going to be going. They’re special there.” — Pitt coach Narduzzi on facing UCF after falling short against North Carolina.