Pitt linebackers coach Rob Harley chuckled when the thought crossed his mind, but he really meant it. Outside linebacker Mike Caprara's absence from the Pitt defense for most of the past four games probably helped him, Harley said. And by extension, the team may benefit, too. Caprara is listed as probable on the Pitt injury list released Tuesday by coach Pat Narduzzi.............“He's been really immersing himself as a coach,” Harley said. “He's out there with the script. He's going through the plays. He's coming on the sideline. He's coaching guys up. “It has probably helped him a little bit, just to take a step back and see it and see why we're doing the things we're doing.”.......“That's kind of been our whole motto,” senior middle linebacker Matt Galambos said. “If someone goes down, the next guy has to be ready to step up. We don't want to drop off.” Caprara, who is unavailable for comment while injured, apparently reacted to his inactivity in a mature manner, helping others while struggling internally. Harley said it was “emotionally tough for him, being a senior.” “But he's handled it unbelievably. We can't wait to get him back.”...........Pitt's video study has shown Virginia Tech likes to use a lot of pre-snap shifts and motion, another reason the experienced Caprara can be a big help Thursday. “It's really a numbers game for them,” Galambos said. “If they can outnumber you at one side, they'll go to that read.” Pitt's run defense is fifth in the nation, first in the ACC, allowing only 96.6 yards per game.........
LINK:
http://triblive.com/sports/college/pitt/11365545-74/pitt-caprara-game
LINK:
http://triblive.com/sports/college/pitt/11365545-74/pitt-caprara-game
