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.

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.

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.