Talkin’ Pitt: Back to Work
9/23/2025 2:31:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying ahead of Saturday’s ACC opener against Louisville.
PITTSBURGH—The bye week gave the Panthers time to reset, and now they turn their focus to Louisville. Defensive line coach Tim Daoust, running backs coach Lindsey Lamar, defensive lineman Francis Brewu, and linebacker Rasheem Biles all spoke today about discipline, depth, and the importance of finishing plays.
Daoust: "There's more left out there for us to go get."
Tim Daoust has seen growth from his defensive line, but he isn't satisfied.
"We're doing a good job pushing the pocket," Daoust said. "But we've got to make sure we finish and make game-changing plays late. There's more left out there for us to go get."
He also praised the unit's depth, with seven different defensive linemen already recording a sack this season.
Lamar: "Your best ability is availability."
Lindsey Lamar said he's proud of the way his younger running backs have stepped up, especially Julez Goff and Ja'Kyrian Turner.
"Every rep helps. Julez has been available, and he's getting better every week," Lamar said.
Turner, a true freshman, has also impressed with his speed and work ethic.
"He's up here at 5:45 in the morning every day watching film," Lamar said. "He's hungry, and these reps are crucial."
Brewu: "We want negative yards."
Francis Brewu said Pitt's standard on run defense is higher than the stat sheet shows.
"We could hold teams to 30 yards rushing and we wouldn't be satisfied. We want negative yards," Brewu said.
He admitted he missed chances against West Virginia, but said he's motivated to improve.
Biles: "We can't lose again."
Rasheem Biles, who leads Pitt in tackles, said the message after the bye is simple.
"It was tough, but the mindset now is we can't lose again. We've got to go 1-0 every week," Biles said.
Missed tackles were costly against West Virginia, and Biles said the defense has zeroed in on fundamentals.
"It's details—pad level, footwork, finishing. We'll always take shots, but we've got to make them smarter shots."
Pitt hosts Louisville this Saturday, Sept. 27, in its ACC opener. Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN2.
