Pitt Missing Starting LB Against North Carolina

The Pitt Panthers will face an explosive offense without one of their most important defenders.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers will have to face No. 17 North Carolina without a critical part of their defense after he suffered an injury last week in the Backyard Brawl. 

Bangally Kamara, the Panthers' starter at outside linebacker, was not dressed and had a walking boot on his right foot. He did not finish the West Virginia game, leaving in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury. 

This is an untimely blow to the Panther defense, with one of the best offenses and quarterbacks in college football in town for a primetime kickoff. Against Drake Maye and North Carolina last season, Kamara finished the game second on his team in total tackles.  

Redshirt freshman Kyle Louis took the majority of the leftover snaps, particularly in the second half and played capably, coming up with three tackles against West Virginia. Shayne Simon could also bump outside, where he played last season, with Brandon George stepping up to take a starting role in the middle. 

Kamara finished the game with one tackle. As the game wore on, Pitt's depth up front was tested by the hard-nosed running of C.J. Donaldson, who had surpassed 100 yards in just three quarters. The Panther defense had been worn down over the course of the game and Kamara could have been key down the stretch. 

In less than three full games this season, Kamara has registered 14 total tackles, two for a loss, one sack and a pass defended. 

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