Notebook: Pitt finds points in unusual places

‘ ‘ ‘ With Pitt’s offensive superstar, running back LeSean McCoy, contained to a career-low 39… ‘ ‘ ‘ With Pitt’s offensive superstar, running back LeSean McCoy, contained to a career-low 39 rushing yards Saturday against Louisville, the Panthers were forced to find more creative ways to reach the end zone. ‘ ‘ ‘ Besides McCoy, four other Panthers scored touchdowns, each of them for the first time this season. Offensively, Aundre Wright took a handoff out of the Wildcat formation for six points, and Oderick Turner caught a 26-yard touchdown pass. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘I think we proved we’re a little more than just one-dimensional,’ said Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt during a post-game interview. ‘ ‘ ‘ The Pitt defense also generated points for the first time this year, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Cornerback Ricky Gary scored his first collegiate touchdown by walking an ill-advised lateral into the end zone. On the next Cardinals possession, Scott McKillop intercepted a Hunter Cantwell pass and returned it 18 yards for the score. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘That’s going to happen every week,’ said Wannstedt about the diversity on offense. ‘Somehow, some way, we’ve got to find a way to score points.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ McCoy had rushed for more than 140 yards in Pitt’s last five games. Despite his struggles on Saturday, McCoy was able to score a rushing touchdown in his fifth straight game. Now, he leads all Big East rushers with 16 touchdowns. ‘ ‘ ‘ In fact, the entire Pitt offense has climbed to the top of a few Big East offensive categories. After scoring 41 points against Louisville, the Panthers are now averaging 30.9 points per game. That mark ties with South Florida for first on the conference scoring leaderboard. Fourth Down Frequenters ‘ ‘ ‘ Pitt successfully converted two more fourth-down conversions during Saturday’s contest. The Panthers are now 13 for 17 on fourth-down tries and lead the Big East with a 76.5-percent conversion rate. Quarterback Bill Stull credits his team’s success on fourth down to its will power and determination. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘It honestly goes down to who wants it more,’ said Stull after Saturday’s game. ‘ ‘ ‘ The Pitt offense has received a boost of confidence from its fourth-down success and the coaching staff’s willingness to consistently roll the dice. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘It’s awesome to have a head coach who is confident with us to [go for it on fourth down],’ said Stull. ‘ ‘ ‘ Through nine games, the Panthers have successfully converted six more fourth downs than any other team in the Big East. Embracing the Bye ‘ ‘ ‘ Pitt is entering its third bye week of the season. In the past, Dave Wannstedt has been criticized for not having his team ready to compete after a bye. This season, however, the Panthers have been 2-0 after having a weekend off, with wins against Iowa at home and Navy on the road.