Wannstedt’s last stand

This might be Pitt’s last chance to salvage its 2007 season, and we aren’t even out of… This might be Pitt’s last chance to salvage its 2007 season, and we aren’t even out of September yet.

On the bright side, Pitt faces a Virginia squad that they defeated, 38-13, at home last year.

Unfortunately, the Panthers won’t have Tyler Palko throwing to Derek Kinder.

Instead, the future starts Saturday against the Virginia Cavaliers.

True freshmen Pat Bostick and LeSean McCoy are starting at quarterback and running back, respectively.

The offense now depends on the contributions of the two youngsters.

McCoy has dazzled since his opening day performance against Eastern Michigan, and Bostick improved last week after throwing an interception in his only pass attempt against Grambling State.

Although he tossed three picks, Bostick made adjustments as the second half wore on and passed for 230 yards against Connecticut.

The problem was the rest of the team’s play against the Huskies.

The home loss to the underdogs dropped Pitt’s record to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the Big East.

Looking for answers

Better execution and smarter decisions by the offense are the goals for the coming weeks.

“We have to execute better than what we are,” Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said. “Whether it’s running, whether it’s throwing to the right guy, whether it’s running the right route, whatever it is. Overall, we have to eliminate the turnovers.”

Pitt has nine turnovers and 18 penalties in the last two games.

Six of those turnovers came last week, and much of their opponents’ points have come off of those miscues.

Defense toughens up

The Panthers’ defense continued its solid all-around prowess though the final score didn’t show it.

Middle linebacker Scott McKillop has been outstanding after the first four games, reminding fans of H. B. Blades and his ball-hawking skills.

The defensive line has advanced light years ahead of last season, led by redshirt senior Joe Clermond and youngsters Tommie Duhart and Greg Romeus.

The secondary had a bit of an off game last week, and will try to rebound against Virginia’s suspect aerial attack. Aaron Berry continues to get healthier as a key part of the Pitt secondary.

Extreme Makeover: Cavs edition

This Virginia team has a much different look than last year’s club that took an opening-day beating last year at Heinz Field.

The Cavaliers carry the momentum off three consecutive wins against ACC opponents.

“They are a very physical team,” Wannstedt said. “Their front seven on defense is probably as strong and physical as we have faced all year. They are very aggressive on defense.”

The 3-1 Cavaliers have used two different quarterbacks in each of the four games they’ve played so far.

Jameel Sewell has received more time thus far and is more of a mobile, athletic quarterback.

Freshman Peter Lalich is more of a prototypical passer. Sewell will likely see more time again on Saturday.

“They force you to get ready for two offensive attacks,” Wannstedt said.

Tight end is the position of strength for Virginia, as its top receiving leaders are both seniors at the position.

The wide receivers have been very inconsistent thus far, but the main concern for the Pitt defense might be the running game.

“The last two weeks they started running the ball,” Wannstedt said. “I think they’re averaging close to 150 yards a game rushing the last two weeks against two pretty good defenses.

They’ve got on track, and they have some confidence.”

The fact remains, however, that the key to a Pitt victory is its quarterback play.

If Bostick can make the proper adjustments and progress a little quicker than what was initially expected of him, there may still be a bowl game in the future.