The renovation of Pitt’s defense came quickly.
The Panthers improved in 12 different defensive categories. Their biggest jumps came in stopping the run and in getting to the quarterback. And the unsung heroes of that defense were the linebackers.
Pat Narduzzi was expected to change the culture on that side of the ball upon arriving from Michigan State. He helped Pitt shake out of a four-year run of 6-6 regular seasons, getting the Panthers to 8-4. The defense showed flashes of dominance at times, controlling games and setting the tone for the new regime.
“I’d just have to say just the players buying in to what he’s presenting to us on the defense that he brought,” linebacker Nicholas Grigsby said.