PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – We saw it from the Pitt offense a couple of years ago with a Heisman Trophy finalist and the Biletnikoff Award winner; high passing, deep shot offense. It's coming back, or at least a Panthers senior receiver believes it is.
"We are eager to show what we've been practicing all summer," said Pitt WR Bub Means. "We've been working our tails off and I can't wait to put it on display for you guys."
"I look forward to putting on a show for y'all."
That would be much different than what fans saw last year. The Panthers passing attack averaged 210 yards per game, 77th in passing offense last season. Means only had 401 yards receiving on 27 catches with two touchdowns. Nearly a quarter of those yards and half of the touchdowns came in the Sun Bowl, with back-up Nick Patti at quarterback.
Patti is gone and Kevon Slovis transferred to BYU. Last year's starter leaving is a big reason Means is excited.
"I feel we got a little more comfortable at quarterback right now," Means said. "I feel he'll let our quarterback make a little more plays of his own."
He being Panthers offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti and the new quarterback Phil Jurkovec. The pair of worked together for a couple of years at Boston College and with their chemistry, the ability to use the tight ends and some speedy freshmen receivers added to the mix, Means believe splash is back at Pitt without an overhaul of the playbook.
"I feel like our offense won't be that much different because I feel like we will still make big plays, I'm talkin' about big plays, in the run game," Means said. "Last year our run game opened it up and we didn't take the opportunities. This year, our run game will open up the big plays and we will take the shots too as well."
So far during practices and camp scrimmages, Jurkovec hasn't been afraid to throw it deep. He's trusting his receivers and airing it out. Now Means puts it on him to finish them.
"I have to be able to make those plays," Means said. "It doesn't matter what kind of ball it is, I can't blame nothing on the quarterback. If you throw it my way, I have to go get it. I have to prepare. I have to get the reps with the quarterback. I've been working on it all summer."
Means said he's more comfortable in his role and the offense in general this year. The senior was a transfer himself last season, from Louisiana Tech after starting his career at Tennessee. He feels on the same page with everyone due in part to the work he's put in this season. He said where he might have caught 100 passes after practice, this year he's trying to get 200 to 300 catches a day.
He's making plays, leading by example with a seemingly endless amount of positive energy. He's asked to be on special teams, not as a returner, but he's on the punt coverage units. He said he will play linebacker or safety if asked.
The daily test from their defense sharpens Pitt's game. Means said they go against the best corners in the ACC every day in practice. He loves the competitiveness between the receivers and defensive backs. When not pushed by their own DBs, they are pushed by a number of freshmen receivers (Kenny Johnson and Zion Fowler-El especially) who excelled in camp.
"They are making plays, that just makes us make plays," Means said. "As the older guys, we got to go in there and lead by example. As much as I make plays and bring the energy, they are going to lean on that. I got to go in there and make sure I'm on everything, execution and details, because it's going to keep the young guys sharp and fresh."
We may learn little in the opener against Wofford, but Means promises a more fun Pitt offense this year.
