'Hot topics' emerge around Pitt as team arrives in Atlanta for Peach Bowl

Pat Narduzzi called it a “hot topic.”

But it was no surprise Sunday when Narduzzi named Pitt tight ends coach Tim Salem the play-caller and interim offensive coordinator, replacing Mark Whipple, for Thursday’s Peach Bowl.

Salem is one of only two on-field assistants who have been with Narduzzi through all seven seasons at Pitt. He has been a college coach almost continuously since 1985 and has coordinated offenses at four schools. When Jim Chaney left Pitt before the 2015 Military Bowl, Narduzzi chose Salem to call plays for the game against Navy. The Panthers lost 44-28.

But another question with a not-so-easy answer has emerged, and for that one, Narduzzi blessed himself before answering.

With covid issues again threatening to strangle sports on college and pro levels, Narduzzi was asked how his team stands in the face of the ever-present pandemic. Pertinent question, to be sure, especially after Pitt’s players — the vast majority of whom are vaccinated — went home to be with family before reconvening Saturday in Atlanta.

“I’ll make the sign of the cross,” Narduzzi said. “Right now, we’re good. You get scared. You hear of other people having problems. We’re following the advice from our medical people, what to do and how to do it.”

“Right now, this football team is as good as you’re going to get.”

Two more bowl games were canceled Sunday because of covid complications at ACC schools. Boston College reported 40 cases, so the Eagles won’t play East Carolina in the Military Bowl. Virginia had similar problems, and the Cavaliers’ game with SMU in the Fenway Bowl was canceled. Also, Miami pulled out of the Sun Bowl after Texas A&M did the same for the Gator Bowl. The Hawaii Bowl on Friday was the first to call off its game.

“Sounds like things change quickly out there,” Narduzzi said. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed and make sure our guys are doing the right things.”

Narduzzi pointed out that “anybody on our offense could (call plays).” He’s comfortable with Salem, 60, nicknamed “Turbo” by his colleagues and players for the enthusiasm he brings to his job.

“It has been as smooth a transition as you imagine,” Narduzzi said. “Our players have a lot of trust in him.”

Without Whipple and with quarterback Kenny Pickett opting out, the offense will have a different look. But, Narduzzi said, “We’re going to do what we do offensively.”

Tight end Lucas Krull, named a co-captain for the game after Pickett’s opt-out, said practicing with Salem and replacement quarterback Nick Patti running the show has been “just another day.”

“Turbo’s a great leader. Everybody respects him, and we love him to death. We’ll play our hearts out for him. He knows who you are, knows your parents, knows your family, if you’ve got a girlfriend. He knows everything. Sometimes, you don’t get that.”

It’s a big responsibility entrusted to Salem. Pitt has a one-time chance to tie the 1976 national championship team for the school record in victories (12).

Unlike other minor bowls Pitt has visited in recent years, the Peach Bowl offers more prestige and a chance to defeat a top-10 team, No. 10 Michigan State. It’s also the last time some seniors can leave their mark on the program.

Defensive end Deslin Alexandre said the game is the culmination of “years and years of work.”

“We have a chance to make history,” he said.

Narduzzi admitted some bowl games offer young players an opportunity to audition for next season. He said that won’t be the case Thursday.

“This is about 2021. We’re still in 2021. This is to get win No. 12. I think that’s important to our seniors,” he said. “I don’t think anybody wants to hear about next year, because I’m not (talking about it). We have plenty of time (to think about 2022).”

Since the start of bowl practices, Narduzzi has scheduled only two so-called “showtime” sessions for younger players.

“We are focused on the task at hand. To say there are young guys going to get opportunities, I can’t tell you there are any. We’re playing our best guys. We’re playing to win.”

Narduzzi admitted practice Sunday, only hours after players hit town, was not up to his standard.

“We’ve had better practices,” he said. “I said it was a good practice. I’d like it to be a great practice, outstanding practice.”

While acknowledging the importance of allowing players to see family, he said, “It’s always hard to stop and then start and go again.”

”Practice was not as crisp as it was before we left. Any time you have time off, it takes time just to get them cranked up again. We’ll go back out (Monday) and it will look a lot better than it did today. They’ll be ready to go.

“I don’t think we have to twist arms to do that. I think we’d have to twist arms to go play in some other bowl games, but not the Peach Bowl.”

Notes: Wide receiver Taysir Mack, who missed the past five games with an arm injury, is the third starter to opt out of the Peach Bowl. He joins Pickett and cornerback Damarri Mathis. … Injured wide receivers Jaylon Barden and Melquis Stovall are hoping to play, but Narduzzi said Pitt’s medical personnel will make that determination. “Barden (who is from Lizella, Ga.) could go if we wanted him to,” the coach said. “Probably make a game-time decision. He’s begging to go, but I don’t make those decisions. I’m always afraid to say yes or no, but Stovall for sure has been good.”