Pat Narduzzi said he wanted to watch more video before coming to a conclusion, but he knew. Of course, he did.

Two days (probably longer) before Pitt was set to meet Notre Dame at Heinz Field on Saturday, he knew the identity of his starting quarterback. He even said, “I have a pretty good idea.”

Yet, he insisted on messing with reporters in his weekly Thursday chat, declining to reveal the chosen one.

“Don’t make too much of the quarterback deal,” he said.

He noted that Notre Dame has seen Kenny Pickett (in the flesh) and Joey Yellen (on video), so the Irish coaching staff won’t be surprised either way.

“Really seen all three (referring to Davis Beville, a redshirt freshman with seven career pass attempts). Maybe, they’ll see four. You never know. Nick Patti, watch out.”

Narduzzi is not unlike the little kid in your neighborhood who takes great joy in announcing to his friends, “I know something you don’t know.” (Only he’s saying it to Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, with a purpose.)

If Pickett plays, he can’t be 100%, can he? It’s hard to imagine Narduzzi risking his quarterback’s left ankle against the powerful Notre Dame defense, with four more games and Pickett’s future at stake. A week ago, Pickett’s left ankle wasn’t strong enough to withstand an airplane ride.

But last week, Narduzzi told everyone how difficult it would be to keep Pickett out of the lineup. Then, he didn’t even travel. This week, it looks less likely that Pickett will play, so he probably will.

Anyone or anything is possible. Single wing, anyone?

1. A closer look

If you’re looking for a clue, Narduzzi referenced Yellen and Beville when prompted.

Of Yellen, he said, “He’s doing a great job. He looked pretty good last week (against Miami when he threw for 277 yards). I’d say he looked just as good or better. Joey’s like this every single day,” he said, moving his hand in a straight line. “Actually, after practice, if he doesn’t hit a throw he wants, he sits after practice and gets another throw in. He says, ‘I want to see that route again.’ So, I have one of the wideouts run that route so he can hit it.

“He’s detailed and very conscientious of what he’s doing and how he’s doing it. He worked ball security in the pocket. He knows that was a weakness a week ago and he doesn’t want to have that be a problem this week.”

Of Beville, he said, “He had a better week of practice this week than he had last week.”

Narduzzi used more words to talk about Yellen. A sign?

2. Hamlin is hungry

Senior safety Damar Hamlin played his best game of the season last week against Miami with a team-high 12 tackles (two for a loss) and a pass breakup. He said the team hasn’t lost its will, even after three consecutive defeats. Pitt never has lost four in a row under Narduzzi.

“We’re still hungry,” Hamlin said. “We know what we’re capable of and we know who we are.”

He said practice was the same this week, with one exception.

“Just doing it harder, doing it faster, more physical.”

3. Remembering 2018

This will be the second time many of Pitt’s defenders get a chance to confront Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book.

In 2018 at Notre Dame Stadium, the Irish won 19-14, getting the winning points on Book’s touchdown pass to Miles Boykin with 5 minutes, 43 seconds left.

Notre Dame never led until that moment on its way to a 12-0 regular season, a berth in the College Football Playoff and a 30-3 loss to Clemson in a semifinal. It was the 10th Pitt/Notre Dame game in the past 12 decided by a single-digit margin.

Overall, Book completed 26 of 32 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns (one to Chase Claypool) and two interceptions.

“We had a lot of young guys playing on that team,” Narduzzi said.

Jason Pinnock had one of the picks. Rashad Weaver recorded 1 ½ sacks. Pitt dropped Book three times.

Many players are still around and two years older.

Hamlin noted Book is smart with the football, but he suggested the Notre Dame quarterback isn’t the only one with a mind.

“He’s a veteran quarterback, just like I look at myself as a veteran safety,” Hamlin said.

4. Keep an eye on …

Notre Dame senior linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

He’s only 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, but he shares the team lead in tackles (20) with safety Kyle Hamilton, and has a reputation for legal violence on the football field.

“I cannot explain to you why he hits as hard as he hits,” teammate and wide receiver Avery Davis said. “I just know the passion he has for the game translates into his play.

“He’s a freak athlete. He looks deceptively not that strong, but he’s like a tree trunk. You can’t move him.

“He can guard you in the slot. He can stop the run. He can fill the gap. He’s different.”

Narduzzi has noticed.

“I see a physical dude. He’s explosive. He snaps on you. He’s not this big guy, but he’ll knock you out. Our guys will have to put their heads on a swivel.”

5. Help in the middle

Narduzzi said senior defensive tackle Keyshon Camp will return to the lineup after missing the past two games.

His veteran presence and 6-4, 295-pound frame will be welcome, especially against a powerful and experienced Irish offensive line that came into this season with a total of 114 starts.

Narduzzi also said freshman running back Izzy Abanikanda, who missed the Miami game, will be back.

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