Pitt players thankful for 3 more chances to achieve redemption

While the regular season moves into its final three-game stretch, talk among fans and media drifts toward arguments about College Football Playoff rankings, what will happen with Michigan and those sign-stealing allegations and speculation on who will win the Heisman trophy.

Will anyone be paying attention to Pitt (2-7, 1-4 ACC) vs. Syracuse (4-5, 0-5) on Saturday at Yankee Stadium?

Actually, yes.

Pitt wide receiver Konata Mumpfield is aware of the Panthers’ record and the long string of disappointments that have led to it. But give him credit: He remains thankful for the scholarship and the opportunity to prove himself three more times.

“At the end of the day, we’re playing football. It’s a blessing,” he said. “A lot of people don’t get to be in the shoes we’re in. These three opportunities, you just have to make the best of them.”

Mumpfield was one of four players who spoke to reporters Wednesday after practice, and each has a reason to remain positive for this game.

Mumpfield wants to show his fumble near the goal line against Florida State doesn’t define his season.

“When you’re playing football, you want to focus on having short-term memory,” he said.

Mumpfield said Florida State cornerback Fentrell Cypress II grabbed his face mask, but Mumpfield also admitted “he made a great play.”

By not protecting the football and thinking about scoring, he said, “I was being a little selfish.”

He’s looking forward to an opportunity for redemption Saturday.

“I pride myself on creating separation in one-on-one battles. I love the matchup,” he said. “It’s like chess. Whatever you do, I can counter.”

Senior wide receiver Bub Means can’t help but bring positivity to his next opportunity. His personality doesn’t allow for negative thoughts, and he feels an obligation to help the younger pass catchers learn what it takes to survive amidst troubled times.

“I’m trying to keep my young guys focused,” he said. “Lots of people tend to get unfocused and undisciplined during those times. I keep preaching to my guys persistence, consistency through adversity.

“I show up to work every day with a smile on my face. I bring the positive vibes. I lead by example. My energy is a little contagious. I’m not the only one that brings it.”

As an older player, he would be excused if he’s caught looking ahead. To him, though, the last three games can lay a foundation for his future.

“I want to show people that I’m the ultimate competitor, no matter how the season’s going,” he said. “I want to be able to show that I persevere through adversity.”

Junior outside linebacker Solomon DeShields’ presence on either side of the defense has helped hold opponents to 21, 21 and 24 points in three of the past four games. He leads Panthers linebackers with 45 tackles (eight for a loss, including two sacks).

Yet he’s haunted by those two touchdowns No. 4 Florida State scored last Saturday in a span of 2 minutes, 15 seconds of the third quarter.

“Watching the film, we know we can do things way better than what we did,” DeShields said. “Communication problem. Something we have to get better at. Sometimes guys can’t hear on the field.”

DeShields grew up a Phillies fan in Millville, N.J., but the game in Yankee Stadium will be personal to him. He’s already trying to find tickets for the large contingent of friends and family who want to attend.

“I have a lot to play for,” he said, “just trying to put on for them, play hard for them and show what I can do.”

Redshirt freshman cornerback Ryland Gandy, who has been an outstanding special teams player, hopes to continue the growth he’s enjoyed this season with an occasional eye toward 2024.

“We still have games to finish,” he said. “The season might not be going the way we hoped it would be going, but we still have three more games to end this thing off right.”

Said DeShields: “It’s hard, but we can do it.”