PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Coming back from a bye week, the Panthers return Saturday night at Louisville. Look for Nick Patti returning as the back-up quarterback after his injury against Tennessee.
The news doesn't appear as good for running back Rodney Hammond as it doesn't look like he will return from a lower body injury. He's not yet 100% according to Narduzzi and they want him to be 100% before he plays again.
Receiver Konata Mumpfield will be a game-time decision. Narduzzi said he's a talented player, but they just need to get him on the field. The transfer from Akron leads the team with 24 receptions with 257 yards and a touchdown.
Eli Attempt
Aliquippa quarterback Eli Kosanovich has worked scout team quarterback attempting to be Malik Cunningham. The Louisville QB is third in the ACC in rushing among all players.
"We don't have a quarterback that looks like Cunningham," Narduzzi said. "If one of your guys (reporters) want to volunteer? We don't have a guy to emulate the athletic ability."
"Don't misjudge his speed. If Eli Kosanovich is running out that way. Don't go like you are going to get Eli, go like you are trying to get Malik. Until you get in the game, you got to make those plays."
"It's a concern, obviously."
Roughing, Really?
Recent calls or no-calls on the Panthers, Narduzzi asked about the number of flags for roughing the passer.
There were a couple against Pitt in the Virginia Tech game including one on a Pitt linebacker in the third quarter that Narduzzi questioned.
"Did you see that one on Tylar Wiltz?" Narduzzi said. "That's roughing? I'm going to start telling our guys if you are going to get close, just bury him. Just bury him. If you are going to get a flag for that? Unnecessary roughness? You might as well just go get 'em."
Prime-time Panthers
"Games are games, we don't care when we get to play them," Narduzzi said. "A noon kick I can get home, maybe play some bocce and see the family. That's, selfishly, for someone who has four kids and likes to see his kids and his wife. That's why I like it. Otherwise, I would play anytime."
Panthers play at North Carolina next Saturday at 8p as well.
Tennessee Wish
The Pitt head coach asked if they've played their best game yet?
"I think it's coming, I don't think we've put it all together as we like," Narduzzi said. "We've played good enough to win four and could have one six."
Do injuries play a part?
"No," Narduzzi said, then added. "Could you say it's a part of the Tennessee game, yeah. If Kedon plays the whole game I think we win that one. What are you going to do? If Nick Patti stays healthy I think we have a better chance. They aren't going to put 52 (points) on us, I can tell you that."
Panthers pregame starts at 5p on Saturday with kick at 8p on 93.7 The Fan.
