PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – What to know about the Pitt Blue-Gold Spring Game Saturday at 1p at Acrisure Stadium.
Thud
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi decided his team will go through a ‘thud’ period during the game instead of live. What that means is there will be contract, but instead of tackling or big hits, the contract would resemble a thud instead of knocking guys down.
“Just want to stay as healthy as we can,” Narduzzi said. “It’s still pretty lively, it’s just keeping guys off the ground.”
Rosters
The team held a draft on Wednesday, and while the coaches reserved the right to make changes, here are the highlights from the two teams.
Gold
· QB Eli Holstein, WR Kenny Johnson, RB Desmond Reid, DB Javon McIntyre, the likely starting offensive line including BJ Williams, Lyndon Cooper and Ryan Baer
Blue
· QB Julian Dugger, WR Zion Fowler-El, LB Kyle Louis, LB Braylan Lovelace, DB Rashad Battle, DL Sean FitzSimmons
Key losses
You could be deceived by reading too much into position battles during the Blue-Gold Game, but there are several positions that lost key players from last year
· Kicker-Ben Sauls gone, Sam Carpenter and James London competing
· TE-Gavin Bartholomew gone, Jake Overman, Jake Renda are the veterans returning
· WR-Konata Mumpfield gone, Zion Fowler-El, Tony Kinsler, Raphael Williams get bigger opportunities with Kenny Johnson
· S-Donovan McMillon and PJ O’Brien-Cruce Brookins, Javon McIntyre bring experience with Jesse Anderson and Kavir Bains Marques and Rashan Murray are transfers
QBs
There isn’t a battle, Eli Holstein is the starter. However, his is an opportunity for Julian Dugger coming off playing in his first college game, The GameAboveSports Bowl, to continue to impress.
“Julian has been really good,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “Julian has taken it to the next level. He is a totally different player, mentally and physically. I think he is studying the game more. That bowl game was great for him as far as just his confidence, going ok, I got it.”
Holstein said he’s enjoyed the spring work and is finally back healthy and has a good relationship with offensive coordinator Kade Bell. He’s able to anticipate fixes before they even happen. He’s also taking a leadership role.
“Guys will tell you I’m very honest with them,” Holstein said. “I’m going to be on you, you are not going to like me sometimes. I’ve got to be honest with you. I got to tell you what you are doing wrong. You might throw a punch at me. We might tussle. You might hear what you don’t like sometimes.”
Captains
Both won a Super Bowl last year with the Eagles, former Panthers Kenny Pickett and AJ Woods will be the captains and honorary coaches.
Broadcast
Jeff Hathhorn will host the coverage going from 1-3p on 93.7 The Fan with former Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick. Panthers All-American Dorin Dickerson and long-time Pitt reporter Larry Richert on the field. With it not being a live game, they will give highlights from the action while also previewing different positions and storylines for 2025. Among the scheduled guests is Pitt Athletic Director Allen Greene and Pitt football GM Doug Whaley.