PITTSBURGH —
After a big win against Gardner-Webb and a bye week, Pitt head coach Paul Chryst should be feeling pretty good heading into the Panthers’ next game.
But, in his usual modest fashion, Chryst said Monday that the team did not spend the bye week celebrating their recent wins. He said his players were working hard and continuing to progress.
“The bye came at a time where it’s an opportunity for us to get better,” Chryst said. “It wasn’t all perfect the last two games.
“I hope we’re getting better and not just trying to ride that wave. Each week, each game is its own opportunity, and you have to rise up for that, not trying to hold on to something.”
The Panthers (2-2) will get that opportunity on Friday when they play at Syracuse (1-3). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be televised by ESPN.
The winner will have its first Big East Conference win of the season under its belt.
Chryst talked about how his team is working toward this goal by discussing a consistent theme that he has instilled all season long – winning games by individually improving. Chryst spoke in detail about this, emphasizing the importance of players doing their part.
“Some guys can get better by doing a dozen more reps on pulling, or needing to tackle better,” Chryst said. “For some guys, the best way that they can get better and help us get better as a team is making sure that they are completely healthy or as healthy as they can be in the season.
“That’s what your job description is. To work with players and help them grow. I really believe that. I think its important for them to know who you are and for us to be able to learn who they are, it’s a relationship business.”
Pitt and Syracuse have had their own longstanding football relationship – one going on 96 years and one that will continue when both move to the Atlantic Coast Conference next season.
The rivalry dates back to 1916. Pitt currently owns the series advantage, 34-30-3. In last year’s game at Heinz Field, Pitt defeated Syracuse 33-20.
This year, the Panthers will play the Orange in Syracuse’s Carrier Dome.
Dubbed, “The Loud House,” the Carrier Dome is what its nickname describes – a loud place to play a football game. The dome’s acoustics cause loud echoes throughout the stadium.
Chryst addressed this concern. But he also said it was not something the team would dwell on for too long.
“There’s a fine line,” he said. “You want to make guys aware of their surroundings or anticipate their surroundings, but you also need to make sure that you don’t spend so much time focusing on something that is kind of a peripheral deal.
“Other than that, you’ve got to go play, and you have to adjust to whatever comes your way.”
College
Related Photos
-
Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri, shown during a win over Gardner-Webb on Sept. 22, has thrown for 627 yards and six touchdowns in the Panthers’ past two games.
Discussion
Chryst seeking progress as Pitt prepares for Syracuse
- College
-
-
Palmer to leave UPJ women’s position
Sasha Palmer will embark on a new chapter as a women’s basketball coach next month.
-
MIKE MASTOVICH | Roberts, Kent State up to old tricks
George Roberts and his Kent State University teammates reached a familiar destination on Saturday afternoon, but took a somewhat different route in winning their third consecutive Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular-season title.
- Local sports in brief 5/19/2013
- Local sports in brief 5/18/2013
- Local sports in brief 5/17/2013
-
College players dominate Point nominations
Pitt-Johnstown junior Jake Warner was perfect and extremely productive at the plate while earning the first two monthly nominations for the 2013 Point Stadium Award in February and March.
Mount Aloysius sophomore Derrick Capiak nearly reached perfection to take the April nomination. -
Penn State guard leaving for pro career
Penn State guard Jermaine Marshall, the team’s second-leading scorer, is foregoing his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional career overseas.
The team announced the surprise move in a statement Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 Marshall, who is on schedule to graduate this summer, cited his family including a 1-year-old son, in making his decision. -
Penn State coach blasts Sports Illustrated article
Penn State coach Bill O’Brien is fervently disputing suggestions raised in a report that player medical care has been compromised after the team doctor was replaced.
Speaking often in an angry tone that might be otherwise reserved for an argument with an official, O’Brien told reporters in a conference call that the health and safety of his players were his top priorities. -
East Stroudsburg wins PSAC championship
Senior Brian Ernst threw eight innings without allowing an earned run on just two days rest and East Stroudsburg University used a five-run fifth inning to secure its first PSAC baseball championship since 1971 with a 7-1 win over defending champion West Chester on Saturday at Point Stadium.
The Warriors (33-16), who set a school record with their 33rd win, earned the PSAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament thanks in large part to an outstanding effort by Ernst, who was named the PSAC Tournament MVP. -
Millersville players help couple resuscitate ailing child
The Millersville University baseball team came up with a great save this week, but it had nothing to do with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament being played at Point Stadium.
A trip for an after-midnight snack on Wednesday morning ended with seven Marauders being hailed as heroes by a local family after they helped save a little boy who wasn’t breathing. - More College Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
