Pitt football notebook: Emotions run deep for senior Price
Defensive end Ejuan Price was honored along with 20 of his departing teammates Saturday before Pitt's 76-61 victory against Syracuse at Heinz Field. Proud of his stoicism and ability to handle adversity, Price held his emotions in check for most of the pregame ceremonies.
Then, he made the mistake of making eye contact with assistant athletic director Chris LaSala, who enjoys strong relationships with many Pitt players.
“He had that look on his face, and I said, ‘Don't do this now. I don't feel like being emotional.' I had a little moment right there.
“After that, I was just trying to get another victory.”
Price played one of his strongest games this season, recording a 7-yard sack to give him 28 1⁄2 for his career, fifth on Pitt's all-time list and one behind the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald. Price totaled six tackles, two for a loss.
“When everything calms down and I get home, I'll think about it,” he said.
Grandma wouldn't miss it
Janice Price walks with a cane, but that didn't prevent Price's grandmother from participating in senior day activities for the second year in a row.
Price was granted a sixth year of eligibility after an injury-plagued career. But he didn't know that at this time last year, so he was honored with the 2015 seniors.
Janice said she has been to most of her grandson's game — home and away — since he was 6 and playing games at Wolvarena in Turtle Creek.
“It's all about the love,” she said.
“That's my biggest fan,” Price said.
Extra points
The game's 137 combined points is an FBS record, breaking the standard set twice in 2007 by Navy/North Texas (74-62) and Boise State/Nevada (69-67). ... The previous high for a Pitt game was set in 2013 when the Panthers beat Duke, 58-55. ... Pitt, which scored 56 last week against Duke, scored 50 or more in consecutive games for the first time since 1975. ... Pitt finished the season 6-1 at Heinz Field, tying a school record set in 2009. ... Conner reached 1,000 yards (1,060) and joined Tony Dorsett (four), Curvin Richards, LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis (two each) with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. ... Conner scored three touchdowns to stretch his ACC record to 56. ... Kicker Chris Blewitt set a Pitt record with 10 extra points. His 11th try hit the right upright.
Jerry DiPaola is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.
