Panther Hollow: Williams Contributing To Defensive Synergy
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- Through two games Pitt's defense looked lost. But now that group seems to have found its way, and the Panthers have gotten contributions from multiple sources en route to consecutive wins.
Junior cornerback K'Waun Williams, in an upset of then nationally-ranked Virginia Tech and a subsequent blowout of FCS foe Gardner-Webb, posted identical totals of six tackles, four solo, in each outing. It's the most he'd put up in any game in nearly a year.
Williams was not much of a factor in the Panthers' last visit to Syracuse, a 45-14 victory in 2010, but he did register four tackles, three solo, in a 33-20 win over the Orange last Dec. 3. He'll try to help defeat them for an eighth straight season this Friday, and he thinks the secondary is well equipped to defend quarterback Ryan Nassib.
"We've been bringing a lot of energy--running to the ball, and being physical. We're more upbeat about everything," Williams said after practice on the South Side Monday. "I think we've started to play together. The corners, the safeties, and the linebackers are all in tune."
Williams believes the first of Pitt's bye weeks has given him and his teammates a good chance to prepare for the hostile atmosphere of the Carrier Dome:
Podcast
Kickoff between the Panthers (0-1, 2-2) and the Orange (0-0, 1-3) is set for 7:00 P.M. Friday, with Panther Gameday, featuring Gregg Giannotti, at 4:00, on your flagship home of Pitt football, SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan.
(Follow me on Twitter @mpopchock.)
