. Multiple linemen and quarterback Tino Sunseri have been vocal about how difficult the
has been. The Panthers have allowed an NCAA-worst 27 sacks and rank second to last in tackles for loss allowed (48). To make matter worse, starting guard Chris Jacobson is gone for the season and tackle Lucas Nix is listed as doubtful for this weekend. Utah isn’t known for reeking havoc with its front seven (9 sacks in 5 games) but up until this point, every Pitt opponent has been able to apply copious amounts of pressure. Oddly enough, run blocking hasn't been an issue as running back Ray Graham is averaging nearly six yards per carry and 150 ypg. But given head coach Todd Graham's background, you know he's not going to completely abandon the pass even though it clearly causes the most harm to his offense.
“It was the worst we’ve played fundamentally; definitely this year, maybe ever,” Graham added. “The mental part of it, the fundamental part of it, is our job as coaches to get them ready to play. We just didn’t respond very well to being on a big emotional high. I thought it was what the doctor ordered. Obviously, I did not expect us to play fundamentally that bad. We played up front and with the ball, it was our worst game fundamentally.”
