PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – You would wonder if some on the Pitt team are thinking about the need for a quarterback change after the last couple of games. Pat Narduzzi said Phil Jurkovec not only has his support, but his teammates' as well as the Panthers host 17th ranked North Carolina Saturday night.
Jurkovec tried to get in front of any potential issues by earlier this week asking for a meeting with the other team leaders. Narduzzi calls that the move of a leader.
"I think they had a great meeting and show of support like everybody needs," Narduzzi said. "I think they all recognize, they all know the issues. They all watch the tape. Not everybody gets to watch the tape, but we watch the tape together. They know it's not just one guy."
"We are expecting to have a great day Saturday."
Asked directly, Narduzzi said he will start Jurkovec against the Tar Heels.
The last two outings, 18 of 52 passing combined against a pair of teams not expected to contend in the Big 12. The last game, three interceptions and no touchdowns against West Virginia. However, Narduzzi said he sees what we don't and Jurkovec is currently their best option.
"I watch practice every day," Narduzzi said. "I watch the game tape every day. I watch the pressure the quarterbacks have been under. I see all the issues. Every year is different. Every quarterback is different. I'm going to be patient with it."
He then left the door open.
"No one saying there is not going to be a change," Narduzzi said. "I look at the overall picture. I think I'm smart enough and have done it long enough we will make the decision when the time is right."
"Hopefully you guys will come in and say 'Coach, you were damn right. Good job.'
He doesn't believe that time is now. He said they've dialed up more pressure on the quarterbacks in practice. Tried to get the scout team defense to play faster against the starters. They're talking about potentially slimming down the playbook. It's about cleaning up details and Narduzzi believes there has been progress this week.
"There is no lack of desire," Narduzzi said. "They want to go out and perform, but you have to execute at a high level. It's not easy. It's not something where you can click your fingers. Alabama has issues too. There are issues out there, a bunch of teams that have things they are trying to fix. We are one of those as well."
Narduzzi said Jurkovec has been as cheerful and happy as you can expect a guy in his situation. He said he's been great in practice, but now needs him to do it on game day.
If he does, that patience is rewarded. If not, a 1-3 start and a move that will have to be made.
