EL PASO, TX (93.7 The Fan) – In their last game Pitt wasn’t sure who the opposing starting quarterback would be. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi said he’s not concerned about the secrecy around the potential UCLA opt-outs for the Sun Bowl. It includes their record-setting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Bruins Head Coach Chip Kelly would only say they will see who is healthy by kickoff.
Narduzzi said they weren’t sure if the Hurricanes QB Tyler Van Dyke would play against them until game time. He said it’s an easier preparation with the time they’ve had for the Sun Bowl. Whether it’s Thompson-Robinson or sophomore Ethan Garbers, UCLA is dangerous on offense.
The Bruins are fourth best in the nation in rushing yards per game (246.4). Michigan transfer Zach Charbonnet has 1,359 yards and 14 TD, Thompson-Robinson rushed for 632 yards and Keegan Jones another 312 yards.
“They’ve got one of the best rush attacks in the country and we have one of the best run defenses in the country,” Narduzzi said. “We are built to stop the run, this will be a battle. Obviously, we don’t have all of our weapons on defense, but I think structurally if our guys do what they are supposed to do, we will be ok. We face a lot of good rushing teams in the ACC.”
“It won’t be an easy day for any running back. I hope.”
Chip Offense
They coached against each other when Kelly was at New Hampshire and Narduzzi was at Rhode Island. They haven’t met in decades, but Narduzzi said they’ll have to be quick to adapt to something new.
“Chip has a great offensive mind,” Narduzzi said. “He will change things up. He will scheme you up. A great place to sit would be the end zone, just to watch and see what their splits are like to try and open up gaps.”
“He’s got one of those minds that he is going to come up with something different that we haven’t prepared for.
That’s a guarantee especially with the time he’s had. He likes to scheme you up and he likes to have that marker last.”
Kelly’s current offense doesn’t run plays as quickly as a Tennessee, but will run some quick tempo in spots.
Pitt QB
For the second consecutive bowl game, Nick Patti will start at quarterback. The fifth-year senior from New Jersey has played in 19 career games completing 59% of his passes with four touchdowns and an interception. Patti started the Peach Bowl, but left early due to an injured shoulder diving for a touchdown.
“You have a guy that’s a little more elusive,” Narduzzi said. “He’s an athlete. He will scramble. If you put on the second series of the Peach Bowl where he scrambles for a touchdown. That’s what he brings to the table. He will have a little more escapability, he won’t be a lame duck in the pocket.”
“He has a great arm and is a competitor. I know the other 10 guys in the huddle will play their tails off for Nick Patti when he’s in there.”
Narduzzi had another option in redshirt freshman and Texas native Nate Yarnell. The 6’6” quarterback started the Panthers win at Western Michigan going nine of 12 for 175 yards and a touchdown.
“Nick is a Pitt man,” Narduzzi said. “He’s one of those loyal guys. There is not a lot of loyalty in this world anymore in college football, pro football, maybe in everyone’s profession. To me loyalty is big, Nick is one of those guys who has been loyal to this program. We are going to be loyal to Nick. Nick is an athlete. The guys will play for him.”
Players to Watch
Several key Pitt players opting out, a couple of players you should watch out for on Friday afternoon.
· Vincent Davis-the senior RB will get reps behind Rodney Hammond
· Dayon Hayes-coming off a three-sack game he will be leading the defensive line
· Sam Okunlola-Narduzzi said the freshman defensive lineman is a future star at Pitt
· Javon McIntyre-will get the start for Brandon Hill at strong safety
· Tylar Wiltz-LB gets a bigger role, Narduzzi said he’s fun to coach & anxious to see him go Friday
“It’s been great,” Narduzzi said. “Our kids were energetic. The hospitality has been great. Our players are prepared.
We are ready to go and see what we put on the field at noon.”
Well represented
After Narduzzi finished his news conference on Thursday, Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas went up to the podium because there was something he wanted everyone to know about the behavior of the Pitt players.
“They are college kids, but you know what I walk through the hotel at any of our events,” Olivas said. “It’s ‘yessir’, ‘no sir’, ‘please’, ‘thank you’. They say hello to you before you say hello to them. One of the most pleasant football teams I’ve seen in a long time.”
“Most of the time, college kids are college kids, and they are caught up in everything. They make it a point to say hello and thank you. I wanted to say that because it doesn’t happen a lot.”