University of Pittsburgh Athletics
11/10/2026 3:18:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying as the Panthers prepare for Friday night’s matchup with Florida State
PITTSBURGH—Coming off the bye week, running backs coach Lindsey Lamar, offensive lineman Ryan Baer, safeties/assistant head coach Harlon Barnett and defensive lineman Jimmy Scott discussed continued growth, building on the Georgia Tech win and making the most of Pitt's final home game.
Lamar: "We can do it all."
Lamar has seen freshman running back Damon Ferguson Jr. grow in every part of his preparation, from studying defenses to arriving early and taking advantage of recovery resources.
That development matters in an offense that asks its backs to handle protections, routes, motions and shifts in addition to carrying the ball.
"It's extremely difficult, especially in this offense," Lamar said. "Damon's doing a really good job with it this year as well."
Lamar also credited offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau and his group for helping establish the running game. The backs sometimes join offensive line meetings to better understand how the blocking fits together.
As Pitt enters the final stretch, Lamar remains confident in the offense's versatility.
"We can pound it, we can throw it, we can do it all," he said.
Baer: "We still got some ball left to play."
Baer believes experience and chemistry have helped Pitt's offensive line become a more consistent group. He also sees growing confidence in quarterback Holden Geriner following the Georgia Tech game.
"He's leading more out there," Baer said. "You can see him a little more confident in the huddle."
Friday will carry added meaning for Baer as he prepares to take the field for his final home game. He reflected on the friendships built throughout his career and the loyalty that kept him at Pitt.
"My mind's always been on Pitt," he said. "That's who I committed to from the start."
Seeing his family on the field before the game will be emotional, but Baer is focused on the opportunities still ahead.
"We still got some ball left to play," he said.
Barnett: "Our guys have responded."
Barnett has been encouraged by the development of Pitt's safeties and the team's response to adversity. Even during the three-game losing streak, he saw players practicing hard, pursuing the ball and maintaining their effort.
"Our guys have responded," Barnett said.
He pointed to Cruce Brookins' daily commitment to improving everything from footwork and coverage to tackling in space as an example of that approach.
"Every part of the game, he's always trying to improve and make better on a daily basis," he said.
Against Florida State, maintaining that discipline will be important when the quarterback extends plays. Barnett also noted the Seminoles' weapons at running back and receiver.
"Anytime you're playing against a quarterback that can extend plays like he can, that's always an issue for a defensive coach," he said.
Scott: "Really just finish."
Scott described the approach to his final home game as surreal, reflecting on a career that began with waiting for opportunities and grew through learning from older teammates.
"It's definitely been a long journey that I'm extremely grateful for," Scott said.
His connection to Pitt extends beyond football. The people, coaches, teammates and city have all played a role in making it a place he wanted to stay.
"I honestly just really love it here," he said.
Scott expects Florida State's quarterback, offensive line and overall athleticism to present a challenge. After the Georgia Tech win and a chance to recharge during the bye, his focus is straightforward.
"Really just finish," he said. "We needed that one bad."
