PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last time Pitt was home it was coming off a couple of conference losses only to upset a Top 25 team. This test more severe on Saturday with unbeaten and number four Florida State at Acrisure Stadium. Here are some notes from Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi’s final media gathering before 3:30p kickoff.
“Kids are excited,” Narduzzi said Thursday. “It is a well-coached, experienced-especially with the QB position, mature, athletic team. They present a lot of problems, whether it’s on special teams, offense or defense. We got to be locked in, focused and go out and execute. It’s got to be one play at a time.”
Last time they beat a team this good in November was in 2017 against second-ranked Miami. When they also had a first-year starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Narduzzi said to repeat that type of effort, their offensive line will have to play its best game of the season.
“It all starts up front,” Narduzzi said. “We can all talk about something else. Guys got to make plays up front. We got to be on the right games and get a hat on a hat, whether it’s the run game or the pass game.”
November run
Pitt’s last loss in November was back in 2020, falling to then number four Clemson. When asked about his team’s success during the 11th month, he started with a sign of the cross.
“We got to do a great job coaching,” Narduzzi said. “We got to put our guys in a position to make plays and then they need to make plays. I don’t know if the magic of Halloween is over or not, November is here.”
Polling
Earlier this week, Narduzzi admitted he voted Florida State second in the USA Today College Football Coaches Poll. He did give up his top four teams and they match the first college football playoff poll, but in a different order-Georgia, FSU, Ohio State, Michigan. He said he’s had those teams as the top four all year.
“When I do my poll, when I do it, I take time on Saturday night and Sunday morning and make sure that thing is right because my name is on it,” Narduzzi said. “I take my time. I’m pretty good (he added with a smile).”
Narduzzi said he doesn’t get to watch a lot of games, but believes he has a good feel because of the coaches. He knows all four and what they bring to the table. It’s not that he likes all of them, but he said they are all good coaches with good teams.
New freshman
With four games left, Narduzzi is breaking the seal with defensive back Cruce Brookins. He said he’s got the green light now and believes the Steel Valley HS product will be a phenomenal football player.
“We like how he plays fast,” Narduzzi said. “He just keeps getting smarter every week. He’s gotten more reps this week than he has. We are excited about his potential, not only for the future, I told Coach Powell, don’t be afraid to put him in on kickoff to get his feet wet. He’s done a nice job.”
He said freshman receiver Israel Polk has played two games and he’s anxious for his final two to show what he can do. Narduzzi isn’t sure how he will dole out the rest of his available reps. He made it clear to point out he’s not playing kids because he’s thinking only about next year. He’s trying to win games, not just get guys experience.
“I don’t care about the future right now,” Narduzzi said. “I care about one day at a time. I care about what I am doing today. That’s why we try to be calculated when we are playing.”
Redshirt rule
Narduzzi is a fan of the relatively new redshirt rule where a player can play up to four games before using up a year of eligibility. He went a step further that he would like all players to get five full years to play so there wouldn’t be a redshirt and he could work freshmen in on special teams or in other minor roles.
“It should be unlimited, give them five years and open it up,” Narduzzi said. “We change all kinds of other rules. We have Name Image and Likeness. We got the transfer portal. Let me play him if I want to. I won’t feel guilty for playing a guy two plays.”
He added it’s better than it used to be with the four-game rule. He’s also pleased a bowl game now doesn’t count against those four games. He said he’s struggled with that the last couple of years.