University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Behind Enemy Lines: Miami (Ohio)
9/2/2026 4:43:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Each week, as Pitt prepares for its next opponent, we'll look at what the other side is saying about the Panthers. Here's a snapshot of how Miami (Ohio) is sizing up Pitt ahead of Saturday's matchup at Acrisure Stadium.
"They're Pretty Salty on Defense"
Miami head coach Chuck Martin has plenty of familiarity with Pat Narduzzi's defenses, dating back to Narduzzi's tenure at Michigan State.
"I still have some old, bad skeletons in my closet from going up against Coach Narduzzi's defenses in the past," Martin said. "I'm not going to enjoy playing against them, but I love who they are. I'm a defensive guy, and I love how they play."
Martin praised Pitt's commitment to stopping the run and the aggressive style it plays at every level.
"They play north and south," he said. "Their D-linemen play north and south. Their backers play north and south. Their back end plays north and south."
Pitt finished eighth nationally in rushing defense last season, and Martin expects its third-down packages to present another significant challenge.
"I called my friends at Notre Dame to get some insight, and the first thing you hear is, 'They're pretty salty on defense,'" Martin said. "That's not really what I wanted to hear. If Notre Dame thinks they're salty, what does Miami (Ohio) think they are?"
Containing Pitt's Quarterback
Martin identified keeping Mason Heintschel in the pocket as one of the RedHawks' most important defensive assignments.
"He can beat you from the pocket," Martin said. "He can throw the ball on time, and he's accurate. He just makes so many plays when he gets moving around."
Martin said the quarterback's ability to improvise with both his arm and legs makes Pitt especially dangerous when a play breaks down.
"Once he gets moving around, he is so good at creating, either with his legs or with his arm, or both," Martin said. "If you don't get enough pressure on him, then the circus gets going. There are a lot of highlights on there, and that's why everybody's talking about the guy."
Miami defensive end Grant Lyons echoed his coach's assessment while also pointing to Pitt's talent throughout the offense.
"We're going to have to try to keep their quarterback in the pocket," Lyons said. "He has the ability to extend plays and make big plays. Their running back is explosive, and their offensive line is big, strong and physical. But we're up for the challenge."
A Trial by Fire
Miami enters the season with 43 newcomers, including more than 20 freshmen and approximately 20 transfers. Martin acknowledged that opening against a Power Four opponent could be an eye-opening experience for an inexperienced roster.
"They're going to find out right away what high-end college football is," Martin said. "You're going to play a team that's going to compete its tail off every snap and bring it every snap. If you're not ready for that, you'll be overwhelmed in a hurry."
The RedHawks will also make the first college start of quarterback David McComb at Acrisure Stadium. Martin said he wants to avoid placing too much responsibility on the young quarterback in his debut.
"I know mentally he can handle a lot of things, but I'm trying not to make it where he's out there overthinking," Martin said. "Let him be a nervous freshman, go play the game and see what happens."
Although Pitt possesses a clear advantage in experience and physical talent, Lyons said the RedHawks will not be intimidated.
"You never watch them and get scared of their size or speed," Lyons said. "We're excited. I'm looking forward to the challenge and to seeing where my game is in Week 1. I'm also looking forward to seeing where Miami football is in Week 1."
