PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Nick Patti appeared in eight Panthers games this year, but has never had an opportunity like he does Thursday night in Atlanta.
The redshirt junior, with two years of eligibility left, will make his second career start with Kenny Pickett deciding to prepare for the NFL Draft. Patti attempted 14 passes this season completing 12 for 140 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Patti started against Delaware his sophomore season, leading a 17-14 win going 23-37 for 271 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He’s also has three rushing touchdowns in his career. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said the offense will look very similar.
“We have a Biletnikoff guy out there,” Narduzzi said. “We are going to get him the ball. It doesn’t change much. We aren’t going to go out there and run option. We know what we are doing. That’s why practice is so smooth.”
Narduzzi compared Patti’s work ethic to Pickett, saying he spent time during finals week throwing to receivers on his own. He also believes he has strong leadership qualities. He also said Patti deserves this opportunity against Michigan State.
“Nick is a guy this entire room trusts,” Narduzzi said. “He’s a good football player. He can throw the ball. I think in his one other start he threw it over 40 times. He’s a guy that can throw the ball. We are excited for Nick to show Panther nation who he is.”
“We trust him just like we trust number 8,” said senior offensive lineman Marcus Minor. “We are excited for his play. It’s going to be a big one for him. I know he is excited. He has been pushing us just like 8 has. They are very similar in play. We are excited for him to go out and ball.”
“All year we always knew Nick Patti was that number two guy and we always had faith in him,” said Peach Bowl offensive captain Lucas Krull. “We’ve always had faith in him and if anything bad happened and he had to come in. We knew we would be ready, because we always knew he’s ready.”
“You’ve seen all year in key plays and key moments of a game. If Kenny went down and he had to come in, in some of the biggest parts of a game. He’s executed and got the job done. We’ve always known that. All of us believe in him.”
“It’s a great opportunity for him, but I don’t want him to stress about that either,” Narduzzi said. “He’s been as locked in as anybody. I go back to Jimmy Morrissey and Owen Drexel and I look at Kenny Pickett and Nick Patti.”
“He’s been preparing for this moment for a long time. I got a lot of faith in him.”
If he repays that faith with a big game Thursday, even with the addition of USC transfer Kedon Slovis, it could set him up to be the opening game starter against West Virginia in September.
Panthers pregame coverage begins at 3p on Thursday on 93.7 The Fan with kickoff against Michigan State at 7p.