Pitt's untested QBs bracing for Grambling's speed

Photo: Grambling's WR Clyde Edwards

By Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A new quarterback will be at the helm of Pitt's offense tomorrow against Grambling at Heinz Field. Growing pains are likely along with stretches where the Panthers struggle to move the football.

There is one other thing that could cause the offense to sputter and it has nothing to do with Kevan Smith or Pat Bostick and everything to do with the speed of Grambling's defense.

The Tigers are fast, aggressive and will try to force the Panthers to play at a pace they likely aren't comfortable playing.

That's not good news for any offense, but particularly one searching for an identity and some consistency.

"They predicate everything on speed and making plays and putting pressure on an offense," coach Dave Wannstedt said of Grambling's 4-3 defense. "It forces your quarterback to make fast decisions and that's what we'll be facing."

The Panthers have tried to simulate the speed of the Tigers in practice, but it's never the same. Still, Wannstedt is confident the offense and the two young quarterbacks, will hold up under the pressure, especially with the changes made in the offensive line.

"We've tried to make it as difficult on them as possible," Wannstedt said. "I think it's important to not fool them. If you were coming in and facing a freshman quarterback, you're going to try to pressure them and give them some looks hoping to force them into some bad plays. I'm cautiously optimistic that these guys will get in there and perform better than any of us think."

While it might seem overly optimistic to expect a quarterback making his first start to play beyond expectations, Wannstedt isn't so sure.

In fact, he needs only to point to last week -- the Panthers 27-3 win against Eastern Michigan in the opener -- to find a precedent.

"Billy Stull did that, quite frankly. He stepped in there and performed at a better level than what I thought he was going to," Wannstedt said. "And Scott Mc-Killop did that. Every time, we've had somebody step up. That's kind of been a trademark for the team.

"I believe it will happen at quarterback."

Stull led the Panthers to a big lead and played admirably against Eastern Michigan, but he was injured in the third quarter of the game and will be out for at least a month, which is why coaches are scrambling to find a replacement.

Wannstedt said he will make a game-time decision, but the sentiment around the team seems to be that Smith will be the starter tomorrow. Both are expected to play.

NOTES -- For those who can't wait until tomorrow, the Grambling band will provide a sneak preview tonight at the Petersen Events center. The band, along with Pitt's, will perform in a "battle of the bands". ... Wannstedt said every player is healthy and ready to play except tight end John Pelusi, who is still day to day with a shoulder injury. ...The game is not televised, but it can be seen online at ESPN360.com.