While I’ve been happy to point out the many areas where Virginia looks to be weaker and has a lot of questions, there’s no getting around the fact that Pitt seems to have just as many issues.

“There are a lot of circumstances at receiver, so we’re not as deep as I would like to be at the position with guys that have played or with practice time,” Wannstedt said.

“Oderick Turner is going to be an outstanding player. He’s a redshirt freshman, but he’s going to grow up fast. And he’s going to make plays Saturday night.”

Pitt is just as young at running back. Sophomore LaRod Stephens-Howling returns as the starting tailback, but three freshmen — Shane Brooks, Kevin Collier and Dickerson are the backups. Sophomore Conredge Collins and redshirt junior Mark Yezovich are battling for the fullback spot.

“To LaRod’s credit, and our strength program, he’s about 10 pounds heavier than he was a year ago today,” Wannstedt said. “I believe he’s stronger, and he’s plenty tough enough. … But, will we spell him? Yes. … There’s no question that it’s going to be running back by committee.”

There are several other issues for Pitt. The placekicking is not settled due to a lingering hamstring injury to redshirt sophomore Conor Lee. A second walk-on, freshman Dan Hutchins, is battling for the starting spot.

Coach Wannstedt seems to really want to give the job to Lee, as he keeps holding the window open, but Lee’s hammy doesn’t seem to want to cooperate. Expect the choice of who kicks FGs to be a gametime decision.

It’s good that Mick Williams is back practicing with the team after his concussion. Personally, though, I would completely rule him out from playing for this week. Just as a precaution since he took quite a while to get better and also, the rotation at DT looks set at the moment. There’s no need to mess with it in the game itself.

Joe Clermond earning the starting gig at left defensive end was a mild surprise after the season he had last year.

“I told Joe, ‘A year ago, I wouldn’t have given you much of a chance to ever be a contributor here,’ ” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “He’s done a nice job, and he’ll be in the mix come Saturday night.”

A talk with defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads pointed Clermond in the right direction. Rhoads told Clermond the Panthers recruited him because of his speed and playmaking ability, then challenged him to return to form.

In the final three games of the 2004 season, Clermond had 19 tackles — two for loss — and a fumble recovery. That was a drastic difference from last season, when Clermond had 14 total tackles and two sacks in 10 games.

The 6-foot-3 Clermond helped his cause after dropping from 263 pounds to 237 in the offseason, eating more protein and less starch to maintain his weight while reducing his body fat. He concentrated on improving his conditioning, and his speed suddenly returned.

“I’m really proud of him,” defensive ends coach Charlie Partridge said. “He’s as healthy as he’s been at any point the last couple of years. That certainly has helped his progress. You’ve got to give the kid credit. He’s fought back from not playing well a year ago with high expectations on his shoulders at that time and has bounced back and had a really nice camp.”

It was enough to impress Wannstedt and unseat Chris McKillop as the starter. That move surprised even Clermond, who had not only dropped off the Panthers’ depth chart but off the radar altogether.

It helps Clermond that speed is something Coach Wannstedt really wants at every position. Losing the weight helped his speed and made a huge difference.