PITTSBURGH — Todd Graham promised to install a “high octane” attack at Pittsburgh.

Getting the engine to hum smoothly will take awhile. Until it does, running back Ray Graham has no issues providing a more primitive alternative.

The junior ran for 201 yards and three touchdowns to help the Panthers surge past Buffalo 35-16 on Saturday. Graham scored on runs of 3, 5, and 1 yards in the second half as Pitt pulled away late.

“I got tackled a couple times in the backfield, but I didn’t get discouraged,” Ray Graham said. “I stayed positive and knew our offensive line would kick it up a notch. They told me to keep pushing on, and we eventually would open up some holes.”

Tino Sunseri threw for 179 yards and a score for the Panthers, who needed a full half to find their legs while playing in their coach’s uptempo system that’s a significant philosophical departure from former coach Dave Wannstedt’s more deliberate style.

“It’s a drastic change for these players and we’re really close,” Todd Graham said.

Pitt broke it open in the third quarter behind Ray Graham, who has embraced the expectations that come with following in the footsteps of former Pitt stars Tony Dorsett, Curtis Martin, LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis.

He ran for 277 yards while filling in for Lewis against Florida International a year ago and his coach expects him to be among the best in the country.