Phil Campbell III holds a bachelor’s degree in communications while pursuing another in sociology. Given his academic background, Pitt’s senior outside linebacker understands what makes people tick.

So, when former Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III announced his plans to opt out of the Peach Bowl, avoiding a date with Pitt on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Campbell didn’t need an explanation.

That doesn’t mean he is required to like it.

“I understand. I get it,” said Campbell, who has two teammates of his own, Kenny Pickett and Damarri Mathis, who have made the same choice.

But Walker’s decision deprives Campbell of a challenge he would have enjoyed.

“I was licking my chops. I couldn’t wait to go against him,” he said.

For a team that derives great pride from stopping the opponent’s ground game, Walker would have offered the Panthers’ sixth-ranked run defense (91.8 yards per game) the ultimate test. He was named Walter Camp Player of the Year and winner of the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. His 1,636 rushing yards stand second in the nation.

Without Walker and Pickett, two of the best players in the nation, the Peach Bowl loses some luster. But it matters a great deal to Campbell. It will be his last game at Pitt after a six-year career.

“I’m going to enjoy every moment from the bus ride (to the stadium), from the first to the fourth quarter to the fight song at the end,” he said. “I’m going to take it all in, have fun and enjoy being with my teammates and win.

“I had a long run, and it feels good to finish the way we’re finishing.”

Pitt’s national reputation was built on offense, but it was the defense that stepped up and shut out a high-powered Wake Forest offense over the final three quarters of the ACC championship game.

“We have a big chip on our shoulders right now,” Campbell said. “We’re just trying to go out and prove one more time who we are, especially as a defense. We’re trying to show we’re physical and we are the best team in the ACC.”

Campbell said Pitt still expects Michigan State to employ a run-heavy attack. Jordan Simmons, who ran for 121 yards against Youngstown State this season, is the Spartans’ second-leading rusher (255). Junior Elijah Collins has a history of productivity, running for 988 as a redshirt freshman in 2019.

“They’ll probably pass a little bit more,” Campbell said. “(Defensive coordinator Randy Bates) said in one of our first bowl practices they might do different things, and we’re going to be ready for all of it.

“He’s been giving us a little bit more each practice, and it’s keeping us interested.”

With nearly four weeks between games, Campbell admits it’s difficult to recharge.

“We had a week off (for final exams),” he said. “You come back to practice. You’re a little winded. The details aren’t as clean. But the coaches recognize that and were on top of us.”

After winning the ACC championship, Pitt extended its usual 24-hour rule for feeling good about a victory.

“It goes a couple more days just because it’s the championship,” he said. “Then, it’s like, ‘Hey, we have another opportunity here.’ Especially me as a senior. I’m trying to go out with a bang.”

A victory would be a milestone for Pitt, which hasn’t defeated a Power 5 team in a bowl game since a 27-10 victory against Kentucky in the BBVA Compass Bowl after the 2010 season.

But Campbell is more concerned about the reputation of this season’s team.

“As a defense, we have a lot to prove,” he said. “(The Spartans) pride themselves on being very physical, and that’s what we pride ourselves on.

“I know by the end of the game, they’re going to respect us and they’re going to know who we are.”

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