Rashad Jennings gets a nice piece about winning the starting tailback job. The piece notes what I have thought, that physically Jennings is exactly the type of running back that Coaches Wannstedt and Cavanaugh like. Murphy has a similar look, but has proven a bit more susceptible to injuries.
Still Coach Cavanaugh is promising to mix the backs up a bit more.
Although Jennings is listed as the starter and likely will get the bulk of the carries, Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh said a number of backs will get an opportunity to run the football.
That includes Murphy, who will start at fullback but also will see some time at tailback, and Mason who had a strong finish to camp.
“We’re going with the guy that is hot,” Cavanaugh said. “We have a real good feel for a couple of them. Rashad had a real good spring and summer.
“Murph has to get some carries, and Brandon has shown he can make people miss with the ball in his hands, so [running backs] coach [David] Walker and I will talk with coach Wannstedt and lay out a plan that we think will carry us through against Notre Dame.”
One player who was thought to be in the rotation because of his camp play was freshman LaRod Stephens. He is only 5-7, 160 but is fast and has the ability to make big plays.
Cavanaugh, though, said Stephens, who will return kicks, is not likely to play a big role in the running game, if any, because coaches do not want to give him too much to learn too soon.
Getting everyone enough touches will be tricky, but I still think Stephens will get a few carries just because of the speed and change of pace he can provide.
Greg Lee says his shoulder is fine and he is ready to go.
“I’m feeling very confident,” he said. “Since I’ve been back, I’ve been getting so many reps that I’ve been dog-tired during practice. I’ve gotten more than enough reps and more than enough of what I’ve needed to get my timing and reaction time with the quarterback.”
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Wannstedt has talked to the big-play Lee about what to expect from opposing teams this year in the wake of his breakout season last year, when he had 68 receptions, including 10 for touchdowns, and averaged 19.1 yards per catch.
“He’s going to be challenged,” the Wannstedt said. “I know what coverages they’re going to run and I know how they’re going to try to defend him. We’ve talked about it and Greg knows that he’s going to be challenged more than he was last year.”
He’s going to see a lot of double coverage on Saturday night.
Notre Dame agreed to use the Big East instant replay for the game.
Potentially worrisome, though it could just be a smokescreen. Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads sounds like he is still planning to be soft in the defensive schemes.
The secondary’s ability to lock down receivers and defend against the pass should allow the Panthers’ front seven to be more aggressive.
Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said the secondary allows the Panthers to mix things up more up front, but that doesn’t mean they can take unnecessary chances with blitzes in the opener Saturday against Notre Dame.
“We will play more of a mix of pressure as well as zone defense,” Rhoads said.
“The kids we have back there might give us a chance to pressure a little bit more and not just sit in a game plan that might be 90 percent zone or something like that. But they have to be playing well for us to do that. If they are a step slow or they aren’t playing well, we won’t be able to pressure more.
“Josh and Darrelle have had excellent camps, and I look forward to seeing them go out and play.”
Nooooooo!!!!!!! At the very least, one of the safeties has to play up a little more to help on the run. There needs to at least be attempts at disruption and getting pressure on the QB. It reads to me like Rhoads is still afraid to do give up the big play — more willing to give up chunks on frustrating drives.
