University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Talkin’ Pitt: Whatever It Takes
10/6/2026 2:55:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying as the Panthers prepare for this week’s matchup with North Carolina
PITTSBURGH— Following the road win at Virginia Tech, defensive line coach Tim Daoust, running back Ja'Kyrian Turner and defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. discussed Pitt's resilience, confidence in quarterback Holden Geriner and preparation for a physical North Carolina team.
Daoust: "We stay in attack mode."
Daoust credited Pitt's defensive front for making adjustments while maintaining its disruptive approach against Virginia Tech. The ability to communicate quickly helped the Panthers respond throughout a game that required constant work from players and coaches.
"It was a chess match back and forth, and our kids were able to fight a little longer," Daoust said. "They did a great job."
That effort started with a familiar priority.
"The number one pillar of our defense is stopping the run," he said. "Every position and every coach knows it."
Daoust also came away encouraged by the developing depth behind his starters. Those contributions will be important against a North Carolina offense he expects to challenge Pitt with a strong offensive line, downhill runners and an emphasis on controlling the clock.
"You watch that offensive line, and I think they're as good as we've played all year," he said.
Turner: "We've got to take our game to another level."
Turner was grateful to return to the field and the end zone against Virginia Tech after missing time. Watching his fellow running backs contribute in his absence reinforced the standard the group sets each day.
"Be great and compete every day in practice," Turner said. "Make each other better, go out and play hard, and do whatever it takes."
With Geriner stepping into the quarterback role, Turner said the backs must continue raising their level of play. He praised Geriner's experience, preparation and ability to help teammates understand routes and coverages.
"We have our trust in Holden," Turner said. "He's going to hold it down and do his thing."
Against North Carolina's front seven, Turner expects physicality and finishing runs to be essential.
"We've got to go out there and be physical like we always are, be dominant up front, and dominate the line of scrimmage," he said.
Lee: "Literally, whatever it takes to win."
Lee's interception against Virginia Tech came down to trusting his preparation and taking advantage of an opportunity.
"It was about trusting what we saw and what we went over in practice," Lee said. "The opportunity came, and I was grateful to make the play."
While encouraged by Pitt's takeaways and red zone stops, Lee emphasized the need to limit explosive plays. He believes the secondary's communication continues to improve as the group works toward greater consistency.
"We're focusing on how we can constantly improve every day and what's going to help us become the best secondary we want to be," he said.
For Lee, the road win showed the importance of every contribution, from special teams to situational execution and sideline adjustments.
"Every role plays a part," he said. "Literally, whatever it takes to win."
