PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Christian Veilleux says he has a folder of 24 pages of notes just about his first career college start against Louisville Saturday night.
Those pages list coverage percentages, every coverage look, every statistical coverage based on formation, third down distances, red zone yardages. He has screen shots of formations and coverages and then he watches film. Then he matches the notes from the coaches and staff to his notes and plays out scenarios in his head.
That’s just for his first of what he hopes are many Pitt starts for the sophomore quarterback. Veilleux found out last week as he said the coaches brought him into a room and then they addressed the team. He said he’s approaching it as the next man up.
The Penn State transfer said having the bye week to prepare was definitely helpful and he’s thankful he has the extra time because it’s allowed him to get situated.
“I don’t want it to sound like I can do things better than Phil was doing,” Veilleux said. “I think I bring my own personality and leadership style to the offense. Whether that’s beneficial or not, we will find out. I do think I can definitely help this team win being the starting quarterback.”
Veilleux said he’s been working with Phil Jurkovec on the offense and says his experience and what he’s accomplished and seen in the game has been helpful for him. Veilleux has been asked Jurkovec questions and he how he can benefit from his experiences. He said he’s definitely a tool he can use.
The Ottawa native said he’s prepared every week like he could be the starter. Against the nationally ranked Cardinals, he is. What fans will see from his game?
“Get the ball quick, based off our plan,” Veilleux said. “I understand our plan and what we are trying to do. Obviously, the weather is not going to be great Saturday, we’ll see how that goes. I think my operation and just getting the ball out quick and making decisive decisions. I think that’s what I bring to the table.”
In his only other appearance as a Panther, Veilleux threw three interceptions in the second half against North Carolina. He takes full responsibility for those mistakes and says all have to do their job, if they do, they got a chance Saturday.
“Just execution, football is a game of execution, Coach Cignetti says it all the time,” Veilleux said. “Our plan is good. Our players are good, plays are good, coaching is good. We just got to execute.”
“At the end of the day, if you are not executing, no matter what team you play for, you are not going to win football games.”
They haven’t won since opening week, that’s why they made the change. They are hoping Veilleux can be a spark to get them going in the right direction.