University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Talkin’ Pitt: Taking the Standard on the Road
9/29/2026 3:53:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying as the Panthers prepare for Friday night’s matchup at Virginia Tech.
PITTSBURGH—With Pitt preparing for its first road game of the season, defensive coordinator Cory Sanders, defensive lineman Jimmy Scott, tight ends coach Brent Davis and quarterback Mason Heintschel discussed the challenge ahead, continued growth and maintaining their focus in Blacksburg.
Sanders: "That's who we are as a collective unit."
Sanders credited Pitt's defensive start to players embracing coaching, executing assignments and adjusting throughout games. Pressure up front has helped the secondary, while newcomers have settled into their roles.
Through those changes, the defense's identity remains the same.
"We're looking for fast, physical, aggressive football players," Sanders said. "That identity is never going to change no matter what coach or what player or who sits in these rooms."
Virginia Tech presents another test with its productive running game and physical offensive front. Sanders emphasized keeping the focus on preparation and execution rather than getting caught up in the atmosphere.
"You have to go in there and just continue your process," he said.
Scott: "We haven't reached our ceiling yet."
Scott welcomes the opportunity to face a physical opponent on the road. Having played in Blacksburg in 2023, he knows what awaits, but said the setting should not change Pitt's approach.
"The standard is the standard," Scott said.
Despite the Panthers' 4-0 start, Scott believes the defense still has details to clean up. He pointed to the Syracuse game as a reminder that Pitt must continue improving against the run.
"I think we haven't reached our ceiling yet," he said.
Building depth has been another positive, with younger players gaining experience and different combinations getting work. For Scott, the expectations apply to everyone who takes the field.
"Yeah, we're 4-0, whatever, but we still got everything to prove," he said.
Davis: "It'll be a good test for us."
Davis has seen Pitt's tight ends become more comfortable recognizing coverages, finding openings and making themselves available to the quarterback. He singled out Carson Kent's growing confidence and ability to win against man coverage.
"I think he's playing faster, you know, every week," Davis said.
The group's versatility also gives Pitt options to change formations and personnel, creating different looks for a defense while maintaining the ability to run or throw.
"The more versatile guys you have, you know, the better off you are with that," he said.
That flexibility will travel with the Panthers into a loud road environment, where Davis said concentration will be essential.
"It'll be a good test for us," he said. "I expect us to handle it."
Heintschel: "Our main goal is just to go in and get a win."
Heintschel sees communication and composure as keys to operating in Blacksburg. His experience in challenging road environments last season reinforced the importance of keeping everyone connected.
"I try my best to just be as loud as I possibly can and communicate everything," Heintschel said.
The offense has continued putting in extra work during the short week, sharpening its timing and understanding of coverages. Heintschel said seeing receivers stay late to study film gives him confidence in their preparation.
That trust also matters when a play does not go as planned.
"We just go up to each other and say, 'Hey, go get the next one,'" he said. "And, you know, I'm still going to trust you to go make a play."
For Heintschel, the objective remains straightforward.
"Our main goal is just to go in and get a win," he said.
