EL PASO, Texas -- Nick Patti has showed nothing but grace and gratitude in his five years as a Pitt Panther.
And, in Friday's Sun Bowl thriller over No. 18 UCLA, he finally earned his just due.
Perhaps, though, it came by 12 games too late.
He graciously understood and evidently owned the role of backing up Kenny Pickett, who was given the farm by Pat Narduzzi and was given the franchise as his ride-or-die back in 2018.
Once Pickett exited for the NFL, Patti thought he had his shot.