Heading into the season, it was the offense that was expected to carry the Pitt football team. But as Saturday's contest proved, it's been the defense that's stood out lately.

The defense held Virginia Tech to a mere 100 total yards while adding seven sacks and forcing several turnovers. Several Panthers had big days in the process.

Avonte Maddox and Terrish Webb both had interceptions in the secondary. Maddox actually ranked 8th nationally in pass breakups heading into the game and his pick was the first of his career. For Webb, it was his second interception in as many games.

Pitt linebackers had an equally big day. Leading the way were Matt Galambos and Mike Caprara. Galambos had a career-high ten tackles, including a sack, while Caprara had both his first career sack and his first career interception. Bam Bradley and Nic Grigsby added a combined sack and a half as well.

The defensive line wreaked a ton of havoc, too. That unit had 3 1/2 sacks, with Ejuan Price picking up two of those. in addition to the sacks, they brought a lot of pressure. The last offensive play of the game for Virginia Tech, for example, had the line breaking through and causing the interception to Caprara.

The encouraging thing is that several of these guys have turned in other strong performances this year as well. The defense excelling looks like it could be a routine thing this year.

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