Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi looking for touchdowns, not field goals

If Pat Narduzzi is getting weary of questions about kicker Alex Kessman, who missed all three of his field-goal attempts in two games, there is a foolproof solution.

“How about scoring touchdowns?” Pitt’s coach said.

Rest assured, Narduzzi and special teams coach Andre Powell are working on Kessman’s mechanics and anything else that might be sending the football awry when it leaves his foot.

“We’ve noticed a couple things. We’ll get it fixed,” Narduzzi said.

But the more difficult problem might be finding ways for players to cross the goal line more often with the football in hand.

Failure to score points at a rate close to how college football is played these days could hold Pitt back from where it wants to go.

In 13 games since the Panthers clinched the ACC Coastal championship in 2018 with a 34-13 victory at Wake Forest, they have averaged 16.6 points per game, with a 5-8 record, against Power 5 opponents.

Pitt (2-0, 1-0 ACC) managed only 21 points against Syracuse last Saturday, reaching the red zone four times and coming away with no points on two occasions.

When he met with reporters Tuesday, Narduzzi said, “I want touchdowns. I don’t want field goals.”

Actually, he called for a field goal after reaching the 1 last season at Penn State, a decision that may speak volumes about his trust in the offense at that point.

More historical perspective:

• Pitt scored a total of two touchdowns in the final three games of 2018 under former offensive coordinator Shawn Watson.

• The Panthers never crossed the goal line last season against Miami and Virginia Tech.

• Pitt called on Kessman to kick four field goals in a 26-19 loss to Boston College — a team that fired its coach the next day.

Of course, none of this recent history would interest Narduzzi, who doesn’t believe past events are true indicators of the future.

He’s right, and his chance to prove it is coming soon.

No. 21 Pitt could begin to reverse its point shortage as soon as Saturday at Heinz Field against No. 24 Louisville (1-1, 1-0). The Cardinals lost to No. 12 Miami last Saturday, 47-34, when the Hurricanes recorded scoring plays of 75, 75 and 47 yards in the second half. Overall, Miami totaled 485 yards of offense.

Pitt might have to get its offense in gear, though, to keep up with the Cardinals, who gained 516 yards and 29 first downs in the loss.

“They will be making adjustments, and so will we,” Pitt sophomore wide receiver Jared Wayne said. “Miami got (its) fair share of big plays. When we get those opportunities, we have to capitalize.”

There is hope for the remainder of the season, with what appears to be more aerial weaponry than in the past:

• Freshman Jordan Addison is the team’s leading pass catcher with 14 receptions.

• Maryland transfer D.J. Turner has a team-high 124 receiving yards.

• Junior wide receiver Shocky Jacques-Louis and Jaylon Barden, another freshman, recorded 68-yard scores against Austin Peay.

• Senior Taysir Mack, who hasn’t played yet this season because of an unspecified injury, had 736 yards in receptions last season. There is no word on his availability for Saturday.

Wayne credits quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has completed 70% of his throws, for getting everyone involved. Plus, he said there is an increased comfort level in the second year with offensive coordinator Mark Whipple.

“For me personally, it feels like the game’s slowing down a little bit,” Wayne said. “We’re learning a lot more, why we’re doing certain things.”

But speed only matters when it’s accompanied by proper execution.

“You have to execute,” Narduzzi said. “Kenny (Pickett) missed a couple throws as well. He wasn’t perfect.”

Increased production in the running game would help, too. Leading rusher Vincent Davis has 109 yards in two games.

“If I had to grade myself,” offensive left tackle Carter Warren said, “I don’t feel like it was a winning (performance). I gave a great effort, but I keep the standard high for myself. I know I can do better.”

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