Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi spent part of the week grousing about his defense, the one that had served as more bystander than difference-maker during the Panthers' unbeaten start.His players were listening.

It was only a matter of time before Desmond Reid took over against Cal. Pitt faced a 4th-and-1 from its own 28 to open the second quarter, and Eli Holstein handed the ball off to Reid and watched him race 72 yards to the end zone.

The speed in Desmond Reid’s legs, the power in Ben Sauls’ left foot and Pat Narduzzi’s risk-taking on fourth down were vital elements in Pitt’s 17-15 victory against California. Give Pitt credit for all three.