Pitt's best hope against Miami might be a healthy Jimmy Morrissey

Pat Narduzzi spent the week watching video of Miami’s 24-3 victory against Pitt last year.

Mostly, he focused on the Miami offense, trusting Mark Whipple, his first-year offensive coordinator, to figure out why the Hurricanes sacked quarterback Kenny Pickett six times and held 1,000-yard rushers Darrin Hall and Qadree Ollison to a total of 75.

But while chatting with reporters Thursday, Pitt’s coach remembered something that might have contributed to his team’s massive offensive slump over the final three games of 2018, starting with the Miami game.

“I’m glad you reminded me,” Narduzzi said. “I forgot the Jimmy Morrissey factor. I forgot Jimmy didn’t go. Jimmy can make a big difference.”

Morrissey, who was named a third-team All-ACC center in ’18 while playing in only 11 games, sat out Pitt’s season-ending three-game losing streak a year ago with a broken foot. Without him, Pitt’s offense, which averaged 40 points per game over the previous four, scored 26 in 12 quarters.

Pitt’s offense set new standards for misery in that game. Its total of 200 yards stands as the program’s worst since Pitt gained 199 in a victory against Virginia on Sept. 28, 2013. Pitt went without a touchdown for the first time since the 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl against SMU.

The rematch with the Hurricanes comes up Saturday at Heinz Field, and Morrissey’s foot is strong, his leadership unquestioned as a junior tri-captain and his knowledge of the opponent’s defensive tendencies invaluable to Pickett.

“Last year, it was like three blind mice up in there (trying to figure out Miami’s stunts),” Narduzzi said. “But when Jimmy’s out there, we have 25 eyes.”

Morrissey’s injury forced late-season juggling of offensive line personnel that isn’t happening now. Four of the five Pitt linemen have started every game, and Narduzzi said right guard Gabe Houy, who missed last week’s game with an injury, is “ready to go.”

“Communication was a little bit of an issue with the new line,” Pickett said of last year’s game.

With Morrissey calling signals, Narduzzi expects everyone to know who’s blitzing, when and from where — often just by noticing the direction in which the defender is leaning.

Narduzzi said Morrissey excels on three levels.

“His attitude, No. 1,” the coach said. “I don’t have to push a button to get him going. His button is already pushed, and it got stuck.

“No. 2, his intelligence. When I talk about knowledge, this guy has as good a knowledge as any football player I’ve been around, offense or defense. He just has a feel for what’s going on inside.”

And, finally, “He, obviously, plays with a great effort. He’s tough,” Narduzzi said.

With Morrissey leading the way, Narduzzi is hoping Pitt’s offense starts making more splash plays. The passing game is improved but is averaging only 10.2 yards per reception (13th in the ACC).

“That’s what we’re missing,” he said. “That guy who will break a tackle, make one guy miss and take it to the house.”

Meanwhile, the running game is making positive strides, but Pitt has rushed for only five touchdowns — none longer than 5 yards.

“We have to break some tackles, create bigger holes, get our receivers downfield blocking that next guy,” Narduzzi said.

Miami’s defense remains solid under coach Manny Diaz, the team’s defensive coordinator a year ago. The Hurricanes have held all but one opponent under 29 points.

Linebacker Shaq Quarterman is the leader on defense. Narduzzi called him “a first-round middle linebacker at the next level.” A year ago, 247Sports ranked Quarterman third among college players most likely to be an NFL star.

“It’s hard to get a bead on what they’re doing, when they’re doing it and why they’re doing it,” Narduzzi said, ignoring the Hurricanes’ 3-4 record. “They shut down our weakside run a year ago. We worked our tail off all week on that.”

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