A Quick Look at Pitt's Defense
Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:13 am
Pitt's defensive coordinator is in his first year, replacing Phil Bennett's mustache; however, Keith Patterson lacks the personal responsibility of having a mustache. Prior to joining Pittsburgh, Patterson began his college coaching career as the DC at Tulsa under current Pitt head coach, Todd Graham, so I expect KTP to chime in here.
Keep an eye on turnovers
The kitty cats forced 6 turnovers (4 fumbles/2 interceptions) in their last game of the season against Syracuse including a 20 yard fumble return in the last 3 minutes to put them ahead for good 33-20. For the season, they recovered 12 forced fumbles and picked 8. Star Safety, Jarrad Holley, has 9 career interceptions and a pick 6 this season. Quarterback Tino Sunseri has 10 interceptions thrown (and 10 touchdowns) of the teams 13 thrown compared to JJ McDermott that has 16 interceptions thrown (and 16 touchdowns) of the teams 19 thrown (Padron has 3 interceptions and no TD's).
Overall, their defense ranks 33rd in points against allowing 22.4 per game.
Star players
6 of Pitt's players were named all conference, 5 of which are on the defense (the one offensive player is their stud junior running back). From the defense, they have 2 from the line (second team), one linebacker (second team), and two from the secondary (Holley, safety received first team recognition).
Holley has a pick 6, a forced fumble, 64 tackles including 5 for a loss and 2 sacks. Antwan Reed is a senior cornerback with 2 forced fumbles including the one returned against Syracuse which sealed the game. He has 26 tackles and leads the team in broken pass plays.
The biggest threat will likely come from Chas Alecxih, defensive tackle. He has 54 tackles with 13.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He also has 2 forced fumbles, an interception, and multiple broken pass plays and quarterback hurries. He is widely regarded as their most potent defensive player.
Go Mustangs!
Keep an eye on turnovers
The kitty cats forced 6 turnovers (4 fumbles/2 interceptions) in their last game of the season against Syracuse including a 20 yard fumble return in the last 3 minutes to put them ahead for good 33-20. For the season, they recovered 12 forced fumbles and picked 8. Star Safety, Jarrad Holley, has 9 career interceptions and a pick 6 this season. Quarterback Tino Sunseri has 10 interceptions thrown (and 10 touchdowns) of the teams 13 thrown compared to JJ McDermott that has 16 interceptions thrown (and 16 touchdowns) of the teams 19 thrown (Padron has 3 interceptions and no TD's).
Overall, their defense ranks 33rd in points against allowing 22.4 per game.
Star players
6 of Pitt's players were named all conference, 5 of which are on the defense (the one offensive player is their stud junior running back). From the defense, they have 2 from the line (second team), one linebacker (second team), and two from the secondary (Holley, safety received first team recognition).
Holley has a pick 6, a forced fumble, 64 tackles including 5 for a loss and 2 sacks. Antwan Reed is a senior cornerback with 2 forced fumbles including the one returned against Syracuse which sealed the game. He has 26 tackles and leads the team in broken pass plays.
The biggest threat will likely come from Chas Alecxih, defensive tackle. He has 54 tackles with 13.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He also has 2 forced fumbles, an interception, and multiple broken pass plays and quarterback hurries. He is widely regarded as their most potent defensive player.
Go Mustangs!