University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Narduzzi Notebook: Why This Week Is a Measuring Stick
9/21/2026 1:58:00 PM | Football
Pitt has already cleared two Power Four tests this season, including an ACC opener to Syracuse.
Now comes a different kind of challenge: a Saturday against Bucknell that has all the hallmarks of a trap game, sandwiched between conference business. Pat Narduzzi isn't dismissing the Bison, and he's using the week as a measuring stick for his team's maturity.
"We're gonna find out you know how mature we are for sure," Narduzzi said. "Bucknell's got football players. They're good players. Got a lot of respect for them and the toughness that they show and play with on video. However, you know we need to play our type of ball game, and I think it's a good time to be honest with you."
The message is clear: respect the opponent, but don't let the calendar dictate the level of focus.
A Crowded, Healthy Backfield
If there's a "good problem" at Pitt right now, it's in the running back room.
With Ja'Kyrian Turner sidelined since Week 1, Damon Ferguson Jr. and La'Vell Wright have stepped into larger roles and delivered. Ferguson has piled up 183 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while Wright has added 141 yards and a score of his own. Turner has managed 39 yards in limited action.
Now Narduzzi is teasing a return for Turner, which would create a genuine logjam of talent in the backfield — and it's one he's more than happy to have.
"It's a good problem to have when you got three dudes back there that can run the ball," Narduzzi said. "We felt like our backfield had been deep, and hopefully we get a peek at him on Saturday as well... it's a good problem to have."
Narduzzi pointed to the room's chemistry as much as its talent, crediting veterans like Wright for setting the tone.
"Guys are not selfish," Narduzzi said. "They know we're stronger when we're all together."
Cleaning Up the Timing in the Passing Game
Pitt's run game has carried much of the offensive load over the past two games, and Mason Heintschel is looking to sync back up with his receivers after a step back statistically against Syracuse.
The sophomore threw for seven touchdowns in the season opener and hasn't found the end zone through the air since — though Narduzzi was quick to note the passing game's struggles are more about rhythm than anything alarming, especially with Pitt working through some absences at receiver.
"I think a lot of it's timing and the receivers that are in the game," Narduzzi said. "They ran some pretty good routes, but it's all timing. I don't think I gave them enough of that last week of practice — just limited practice last week. That's part of it, and obviously we'll certainly work on that this week, as far as just getting our timing down."
Narduzzi also made a point to defend his quarterback's approach to the week.
"Mason's a pro," he said. "He's the first one to say... he's going to put it on himself, and it ain't all him. But he'll be the first one to take accountability."
The Sanders Effect on Defense
No storyline has been more consistent through three games than the strength of Pitt's defense — a unit thriving under first-year coordinator Cory Sanders.
The Panthers rank 20th nationally in scoring defense (11.33 points allowed per game) and 10th in rush defense (60.7 yards per game), while three different players — Braylan Lovelace, Raion Strader and Rashan Murray — have already come up with interceptions.
Eight Panthers have double-digit tackles, led by Cruce Brookins and Josh Guerrier with 18 apiece, and Alex Sanford Jr. close behind with 16.
Narduzzi didn't hold back his praise for how quickly Sanders has stamped his identity on the unit.
"After three games, Cory Sanders has really done an outstanding job so far," Narduzzi said.
He pointed specifically to a sequence against Syracuse where disguised coverages baited the Orange into a mistake.
"It's those details in the game plan that I think great coordinators take care of," Narduzzi said "Those two plays in a row — that's good coaching."
