Just five days away from opening the 2001 season, the Pitt football team suddenly has a… Just five days away from opening the 2001 season, the Pitt football team suddenly has a question mark at the quarterback position. Strong performances in two scrimmage games by Rod Rutherford has closed the gap between him and starter David Priestley.

In two inter-squad scrimmages at the UPMC practice field in the South Side, Antonio Bryant continued to shine while the Panthers have shrunk the race for the starting running back from eight players to two players.

Aug. 18 fall camp scrimmage

The first scrimmage was the first time since the spring that the Panthers had simulated a game-like situation. During the scrimmage, sophomore quarterback Rod Rutherford stole the show. Rutherford, not known for his passing abilities, completed 12 of 17 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. He also used the option play quite a few times, rushing for 69 yards in only 12 rushes.