Pitt looks to keep momentum going

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Paul Chryst doesn’t do hype.

If Pittsburgh keeps winning, however, the unassuming third-year head coach knows the Panthers will be unable to avoid it.

It’s a notion Chryst can live with. Besides, it beats the alternative. So while he is doing everything he can to downplay his team’s 3-0 start heading into today’s game against scuffling Iowa (2-1) — even bemoaning a rushing attack that ranks fourth in the country behind sophomore James Conner — Chryst is also prepping his program for dealing with the trappings of success.

“I think guys when they come, and we talk about it all the time, ‘Why did you come to Pitt?”’ Chryst said. “It’s to play in games like we get an opportunity to play in here. You’ve got a chance, if you do stuff, to be recognized.”

Forgive Pitt if it’s out of practice. The Panthers haven’t won their first four games since 2000. Find a way to reach that milestone against the Hawkeyes and a solid September has a chance to evolve into something more serious.

“I believe we can win our division and go to the ACC championship,” said senior safety Ray Vinopal, a Cardinal Mooney High graduate. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be fighting so hard for it. But it’s not what I believe in, it’s what can we achieve. This week would certainly help our outlook.”

So would a victory for Iowa, which is still smarting after a late collapse against rival Iowa State last week.

The Hawkeyes have been unable to generate much offense under coordinator Greg Davis. At a time when teams are scoring at an unprecedented rate, Iowa is averaging a modest 21.3 points per game, 102nd in the country.