PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB/DB V’Lique Carter, a true freshman listed as a defensive back throughout the season, debuted in the biggest of ways against Duke. On seven carries, Carter tallied 137 yards and two touchdowns.
That’s good for a 19.6 yards-per-carry average. Carter can appear in three more games this season and still be eligible for a redshirt, a fact coach Pat Narduzzi knows very well.
“We only get so many games with him,” Narduzzi said. “We got to pick and choose when it’s important to use him. I’m not going to obviously reveal whether we’re using him this weekend or not. We’ll find out.”
–LB Elias Reynolds, a sophomore from Brooklyn, N.Y., had a career outing against Duke. He posted 12 tackles, including seven solo and two for a loss. Reynolds’ previous season-high for tackles was four in a 24-19 win over Georgia Tech on September 15.
–WR Maurice Ffrench, proving his worth as a big-play threat, caught two passes for 75 yards against Duke, both of which went for touchdowns. Despite only catching two balls, French’s 75 yards were the second-highest mark of the campaign for the 5-foot-11 junior. His two scores were a season high.
SERIES HISTORY: Pittsburgh leads the series against Virginia 7-3, which began in 1953. The Panthers have also won the last three matchups against Virginia.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s not easy. It’s not easy at all. I think it gets harder every year, to be honest with you. Everybody wants instant gratification. I think kids think they’re entitled because of who they are to be able to be there and do that. They’ve never been that guy that hasn’t played much.” –Pat Narduzzi on keeping younger players who don’t see the field engaged