PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said on Monday that he trusts his defensive staff, but he questioned some of the adjustments that they either made or didn't make last Saturday. Narduzzi mentioned he might have to go up to the coach's box during the game.
Pitt defensive coordinator Randy Bates coaches from upstairs during games.
"I don't think twice about it," Bates said of the comments. "He's an emotional guy. He wants to win. He wouldn't tell you a lie."
Bates said he talks with Narduzzi during a game, mostly in-between series. He admitted he didn't get some adjustments out there quick enough. That's on him. Bates also said players were doing what young players often do. Instead of just paying attention to your details, you try to help with someone else's job.
That's when the problems really occur because players need to stay within the framework of the defense. Bates saw it especially with the success Western Michigan had throwing the football. Players trying to make a play on the pass; got out of position on the run. WMU made them pay.
"It's the thing that especially younger guys, the first time that happens," Bates said of the situation. "You have adversity and you learn from it. We will."
Where Bates really wants the defense to improve is forcing turnovers. They got none on Saturday against a MAC school.
"We got to get it more in practice," Bates said of correcting the problem. "We were riding their rear ends today. It's got to be habit. This game we just did not have that. We really didn't."
Bates believes he has a resilient group.
"I'm looking for them to respond," Bates said. "You have adversity to teach them about overcoming it. This is life and everything you do."
Not that he's shifting blame on them.
"The bottom of the line," Bates said Tuesday. "The ownership belongs on me. Let's put it right there."
