The stories are starting to take on a repetitive feel, as the various writers start talking about the same players. Really, there isn’t much to talk about after you get past the storylines of Coach Dave Wannstedt and the quest for a running game. The coaching reputation restoration storylines for Offensive Coordinator Matt Cavanaugh and Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads aren’t ready. You maybe raise the issue come training camp in August, but it’s too soon right now.
Actually, there is yet another story about the installation of a running game. Once more, it plays up the “Palko is fully behind this” storyline. To be fair, there is more on this story and it makes some good points.
Oddly enough, the Panthers went 6-1 last season when they rushed for 98 yards or more, 2-3 when they didn’t. In 2003, they were 7-1 when they did, 1-4 when they didn’t. The year before that, 6-2 and 2-2. “If you want to win in college,” Palko added, “you have to have a running game.”
Along comes Wannstedt with the system perfect for … a back that Pitt doesn’t currently possess. Tim Murphy (vs. West Virginia) and Ray Kirkley (vs. Ohio and Furman) return after compiling 100-yard games last season, but they are hardly 20-, 25-, 30-carry horses. There is no one back to ride next fall.
“If you have Ricky Williams, that’s what you’re going to do,” Palko added. “But I don’t know too many types of teams that have that kind of back.”
Instead, you use the entire stable. Incoming freshman Conredge Collins, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound fullback from Coconut Creek, Fla., may soon prove to be the best running back on the Panthers’ roster. There are four other freshmen possibilities as well.
Personnel won’t matter so much, though. Blocking schemes, with a refurbished line seeking two new starters and adapting to a foreign system, won’t rank as the next-most vital aspect. No, the success of any potential running game starts by springing from the mind of offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh: If he can adroitly call for dive plays and power sweeps, sprint draws and counters, screen passes and rollout run-pass options for the fleet Palko, then the Panthers should be able to move forward through a defense much more effectively — rather than drop back, wing and pray.
Pitt doesn’t appear to have a stud back, so line play will be even more vital than ever for getting the running game going.
So there is another story about CB Darrelle Revis considering playing basketball as well, though this story is much more skeptical in tone.
A repeat story on Craig Bokor and dealing with military prep school. Both were stories from other papers I mentioned in Saturday’s round-up.
In the notebook article, there is much to be made of Darrell Strong being switched to Tight End. Am I the only one to remember that was the position for which Pitt and most other schools were trying to recruit him? It’s why he nearly went to Auburn, until former Coach Harris said he would get a chance to try to be a QB.
Senior CB Josh Lay gets the puff piece of the day. Discussing his maturity and growing up. Especially being there for his daughter, Joshiya. Joshua… Joshiya? And everyone gives me grief for wanting to name my kid Zaphod if it had been a boy?
Today’s a full contact scrimmage with officials and a clock.
Here’s the official announcement for the Blue-Gold Scrimmage. The gates open at noon for the 1 pm start time. Given that short time and the fact that it’s at a high school, it doesn’t seem likely to be much in the way of tailgating possible. Something that at other schools is can be the bigger deal.
