After chatting with reporters on his usual Thursday conference call, Pat Narduzzi arose from his chair and uttered these hopeful words, “Say your prayers. Hope to see you on Saturday.”

For so many reasons, Pitt’s encounter with Virginia Tech, scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Heinz Field, is one of the most important of the 11-game regular season.

First, it’s a referendum on how well Pitt has recovered from its covid slip-up of a week ago when the game at Georgia Tech was postponed as a result of too many positive tests for both teams. The ACC said Thursday the game will be made up Dec. 10 in Atlanta, not Dec. 12 as previously announced.

Saturday’s game also is the last of six home games. Yet, in a strange twist also with covid roots, only 10 of 21 scholarship seniors will be recognized on Pitt’s annual Senior Day.

The other 11 are contemplating coming back for the 2021 season (and a return to normalcy, perhaps), thanks to the NCAA granting a free year of eligibility in 2020.

Narduzzi said he spoke to all 21 seniors, and those 10 “probably” are planning to leave after the season.

“These are the guys we expect to move on to the next chapter of their life,” Pitt’s coach said. “Whether it’s real life or the NFL.”

But with this disclaimer.

“It doesn’t mean they can’t change their mind from Saturday to that day they declare for the draft,” he said.

The list includes five starters on defense (Central Catholic graduate Damar Hamlin, Patrick Jones II, Jason Pinnock, Rashad Weaver and Phil Campbell), plus kicker Alex Kessman.

On the other side of the ball, Kenny Pickett, Jimmy Morrissey, D.J. Turner and Bryce Hargrove likely are playing their last three games for Pitt.

“I’m excited for these guys if they do move on, and I’m really excited to have those guys who are staying with us,” Narduzzi said.

The seniors contemplating a return — they also could change their minds and decide to leave — are:

• Cornerback Damarri Mathis, who’s missed the season with an injury.

• Defensive tackle Keyshon Camp, an injury victim who was expected to return last week for the Georgia Tech game.

• Injured tight end Lucas Krull, who has missed all but one game after transferring from Florida with hopes of adding a different dimension to the passing game.

• Wide receivers Taysir Mack and Tre Tipton (Apollo-Ridge), who have combined for 22 receptions this season.

• Long snapper Cal Adomitis (Central Catholic), who previously expressed a desire to return.

• Fullback Jake Zilinskas, a former walk-on.

• Running back A.J. Davis, who has been limited by injuries and has only 35 carries for 140 yards in seven games.

• Transfers Keldrick Wilson, an offensive tackle, and John Petrishen (Central Catholic), an outside linebacker.

• Starting middle linebacker Chase Pine, who has recorded 5 ½ tackles for a loss.

The trick will be fitting those 11 back onto the roster while adding a freshman class that numbers 20 — and should grow — and is ranked 22nd in the nation by Rivals.com.

That’s a problem for the offseason. Of immediate concern for Pitt (4-4, 3-4 ACC) is playing Virginia Tech safely and winning.

“They obviously have questions in the back of their minds,” Narduzzi said of his players. “Kind of like it was in August where our kids are wondering what’s going on, what’s next, what’s happening in 2020 like we all do. It’s a touch-and-go deal.”

Narduzzi was so cautious this week he held out of practice an unidentified player, who said he wasn’t feeling well.

“We don’t think he has it. But we held him out the whole week until we can get him re-tested and find out,” the coach said. “We’re not bringing someone into this bubble that could possibly be sick.

“He did a great job, saying, ‘I don’t feel good.’ It didn’t sound like covid symptoms, but we don’t know.

“Next man up, whether it’s an ankle, a shoulder, an elbow or covid-related issue.

“My kids sometimes call me Dr. Duzz, but I ain’t no doctor and I’ve just about had it answering doctor and covid questions.

Then, he sighed and asked, “Is this almost over?”

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