PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Darrin Hall, a senior from Youngstown, Ohio, led the Panthers in rushing against Notre Dame with 62 yards on nine carries. Hall seems to be finding his stride. After surpassing 50 yards just once in the Panthers’ first five games, he racked up 107 yards against Syracuse in the matchup prior to facing Notre Dame.
–DB Dennis Briggs, a senior was second on Pittsburgh’s defense with five tackles against Notre Dame. He also had a sack. “He’s a different kid,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He’s special. He’s become a better leader through really the last two years. He’s a captain.”
–PK Alex Kessman, after having a 3-for-3 effort on field goals in the overtime win against Syracuse, was 0-for-2 against the Irish, a game Pittsburgh lost by five points. “I think he’ll respond, but we’ll find out Saturday,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “That’s when you’re really going to find out. If he puts the first one up through, just one of those days.”
SERIES HISTORY: Pittsburgh leads the all-time series against Duke 13-9. The Panthers have a three-game winning streak over the Blue Devils.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “There’s not one team in the Coastal that’s going to defend another one and say that’s an easy win. There’s a dominant team over on the other side of the division (Clemson). In our division, it’s a lot of great football teams that you are going to win by three or lose by three. Come down to the wire.” — Pat Narduzzi on the ACC Coastal Division race