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4-1-Zoo: Talking points from Todd Graham's press conference

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Pitt coach Todd Graham met with the media Monday to look back on Pitt's 44-17 win over USF Thursday night and preview Saturday's game at Rutgers.

Here are some points of interest from his press conference...

- Graham was proud of how Pitt performed Thursday night in front of a national TV audience and said it was the closest thing to a complete game the Panthers have had this season. He called it an exciting night and said Pitt is coming together as a family and team. He said the locker room was electric after the game.

- Graham said USF was a handful, especially on offense, and to hold the Bulls to just 17 points — scoreless in the second half — is a sign of progress and a big deal.

- Tino Sunseri, Graham said, had his most complete game at quarterback Thursday night. He was very decisive and executed well in the passing game. He also established himself as a runner, which helped the offense execute as a whole. Sunseri has been expected to run the ball all season, but he hasn't executed that aspect of the game well until Thursday night.

- Going on the road is the hardest thing to do in college football as Pitt heads to Rutgers Saturday. Graham said Rutgers is scary because the Scarlet Knights are the best team in the country in turnover ratio. Pitt will have to be very disciplined and take care of the football while limiting big plays on the defensive side of the ball.

- Rutgers wide receiver Mohammed Sanu is someone Graham noted as a big threat. Graham said Sanu's hands are outstanding and he's used in multiple ways that confuse defenses and show his versatility.

- Graham said Rutgers blitzes a ton and that's something that will test Pitt. The Panthers got in an extra practice on Sunday because of the USF game being on Thursday, and Graham said they've already started to prepare for the Scarlet Knights and their blitz packages. He said Rutgers tries to be explosive and fast on defense, which is similar to what Pitt tries to do defensively.

- Buying into the system means being taught the system correctly, Graham said. Thus, he said the players have been buying into things more and more every week and Thursday night was an example of that. He said players are understanding the system and the execution is coming.

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Chris Gates | Area 4-1-Zoo Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

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