Division I athletes throughout the NCAA will take a break from their sports Tuesday, so they will have time to vote in the presidential election.

Coach Pat Narduzzi, who conducted practice Monday to compensate, said about half of his players already have cast a ballot.

“Everybody talks about wanting change, wanting to make an impact,” he said. “Everybody’s vote counts. It’s important for our kids to get out there. Don’t complain about the results if you don’t put your name on (it).”

Pickett still hurting

Narduzzi said quarterback Kenny Pickett is “not moving great,” five days before he could miss his third consecutive game with an ankle injury.

“I wish I could confirm that he’s good to go,” the coach said.

Pickett “gets better every week,” Narduzzi said, but Joey Yellen is taking the majority of the snaps in practice.

“Kenny can go out throw, but he’s not moving great, obviously. He’s out there watching, at least this week.”

Yellen has completed less than half of his passes (34 of 76) for 397 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Not giving up

Narduzzi said he won’t abandon the running game, which repeatedly has failed this season.

“We are going to continue to try and, eventually, just keep pounding that rock, pounding that rock,” he said. “The first hit might not make it, but after that 115th, 200th, 2,000th hit on that stone, that thing will crack open.

“We have to continue to push and work to dig through that thing.”

Pitt is ranked 93rd of 102 teams nationwide and 14th of 15 in the ACC, with an average of 98 rushing yards per game.

Izzy Abanicanda has only 11 carries in the past four games, but Narduzzi remains patient with his freshman running back.

“It’s day by day. He’s still a puppy,” he said.

“Sometimes, it just takes a little longer. It’s a process and you have to trust the process, whether it’s in the run game or having patience with your players. He’s a great kid.”

Notable

Despite its problems, Pitt leads the ACC in two important defensive catetories — run defense and sacks per game. Opponents average 69.1 rushing yards while Pitt has recorded 4.4 sacks per game. … Pitt’s game at Georgia Tech on Nov. 14 will begin at 7 p.m. and will be televised by AT&T SportsNet.

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