Before anyone begins organizing a parade dedicated to the mental toughness of Rod Rutherford… Before anyone begins organizing a parade dedicated to the mental toughness of Rod Rutherford or erecting shrines to his emotional stability as a player, perhaps the expression of a better-rounded perspective is in order.

Yes, Rutherford did put up incredible numbers in Pitt’s season opener. And yes, he has most likely been under a great deal of duress as of late.

But how difficult was Rutherford’s opposition last Saturday? And how will the future shape up for the currently questionable quarterback?

Kent State University is not exactly a defensive powerhouse. Last season, Kent State allowed opponents to score an average of 35.3 points per game, playing against teams like the University of Akron Zips, who finished the 2002 season with a dismal record of 4-8, but managed to defeat Kent State 48-10.

This year, Kent State edged out the Zips 41-38, but it would be hard to argue that they possess a defense to be feared by Pitt.

I’ll jump on the bandwagon when Rutherford throws for four touchdowns against Notre Dame, or reaches 288 yards in two quarters against Miami. Not that these kinds of numbers are to be expected or taken for granted, but before Rutherford proves himself against the major players in Pitt’s schedule, any talk of overcoming the opposition of the subconscious is premature.

Why is there any reason to believe that, if Rutherford was under mental strain in the Kent State game, he will not be under additional stress in every game to come, as his story off the field unfolds? Whether Rutherford did or did not do anything, the situation is not likely to be resolved soon. And, short of a lobotomy, not much will take the conflict entirely out of his head.

How can we be sure that the game against Texas A’M will not coincide with a major revelation in the process surrounding the charges filed against Rutherford?

When the pressure is turned up, and the public has either rallied behind Rutherford or torn him apart in effigy, we will see just how tough Rutherford is. I’m not saying that I believe Rutherford will necessarily fail when the challenge is raised. I simply would rather wait and see.

The growing sentiment on campus seems to be that the war is over. I’m convinced it has only just begun.

Many facts surrounding Rutherford’s criminal case and the team’s punitive actions have been guarded by silence and legality. But that will not hold up forever.

Eventually, the full story will come out. And when it does, will Rutherford be the same? Will the team around him be the same?

Pitt’s schedule does not play well into the hands of a starting quarterback dealing with the long and strenuous process of law. Autumn’s attrition takes its toll.

A second look at Rutherford in the upcoming Ball State University game may answer some questions, but for those of us not coaching for Pitt, attention should be turned toward the future, beginning with Texas A’M.

On Sept. 27, Rutherford will have to lead the Panthers on the road against a team that beat Pitt by two points at Heinz Field last year.

Then Pitt must match up against a formidable opponent – Notre Dame – followed by seven straight Big East games, lasting from Oct. 18 to Nov. 29.

The season culminates with a dramatic close against Miami at Heinz Field, in what is sure to be an immensely important game.

With an entire season’s worth of bangs and bruises, from on the field and off, Rutherford will have to face the strongest team in Pitt’s schedule.

When the clock runs out in late November, then, and only then, will we know how tough Rutherford really is.

Make no mistake; Rutherford’s test is far from over. So before a chant, rivaled in ridiculousness only by last year’s “Bring in Palko!” begins throughout Oakland, please, a little perspective.