PITTSBURGH -- — Pittsburgh linebacker coach Ryan Manalac nicknamed his group "The Sharks” during training camp, an ode to their relentlessness and hunger.
Manalac's players have leaned into it. And on Thursday night, the 19th-ranked Panthers and "The Sharks’ in the middle of their defense sent a message to Syracuse and the rest of the ACC that Pitt's unbeaten start is hardly a fluke.
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“This ‘shark’ stuff is really a movement,” said Biles, whose 35-yard score just over two minutes in set the tone. “It’s really deep for us. ... It just shows how much work we put in, how good we are, ... it brings joy to us.”
They're not the only ones. The “Panther Pitt” student section at Acrisure Stadium is dotted with shark gear, including fans in full costume.
“We pride ourselves on being called ‘The Sharks,’” said Louis, who weaved 59 yards for a score midway through the first quarter. "If you come in here, you better learn how to swim.”
